An aspect of journalism is documenting the present in the context of the past and as an indicator of the future.
As a simple example, a proposed zoning change may expand an existing retail development and be a prerequisite for a new business.
This year, 2015, marks the 150th year the Jefferson City News Tribune and its forerunners have reported the news for our Central Missouri readers. As depicted in Wednesday's Through the Years section, our longevity is matched only by Hawthorn Bank, formerly Exchange National Bank.
Recently, aided by pictorial contributions from our readers, we published the hardbound volume, "Jefferson City 150: 150 years of Jefferson City Through the Eyes of the News Tribune and its Readers."
The book, however, marks only the beginning of our year-long celebration of our collective history.
On Monday, we begin a weekly series providing a chronological retrospective, beginning in 1803 when the territory containing Jefferson City was purchased by the United State from France.
The pioneers were busy in the ensuing years petitioning for statehood, establishing Cole County and locating the capital. In addition to government, the initial installment in the series references a pioneer physician, the first house in Jefferson City and Cole County's first marriage.
And, to place local and state events in the context of the larger picture, a look at contemporaneous world events is included.
The weekly history feature - including installments focusing on the Civil War, the opening of Lincoln Institute and the Capitol fire - will continue for 52 weeks.
"History," said the Roman philosopher and orator Cicero, "is the witness that testifies to the passing of time; it illumines reality, vitalizes memory, provides guidance in daily life and brings us tidings of antiquity."
We invite you to join us as we review the history that has shaped our city, our state and our world, and continues to illuminate, invigorate and guide our lives.