History is something we don’t lack in the River Region.

From famous faces to noteworthy places, there is plenty to see and learn about in the great parishes of St. John the Baptist, St. James and St. Charles.

To celebrate that legacy, L’OBSERVATEUR is publishing a special section, Down Through The Years, on Jan. 31.

The publication will include historical news and pictures highlighting our region, but there is room for a lot more.

That’s where you, dear readers, come in to play. We want to include your photos — family or otherwise — because the No. 1 reason we claim such deep roots is the people.

Please send us any old photographs you have so we can include them in our special project, identifying the people and places pictured to the best of your ability.

We’re especially looking for places, locations and homes that may no longer exist.

However, not everything has to be old. We would love to run generational pictures, as well.

So if you can gather four or more River Region generations and get them to stand still for a picture, take it and send it along.

History is a wonderful thing, but if we don’t nurture and preserve it, we jeopardize its legacy for those younger members of our families.

So, please, take a minute to share some those family gems that are your old photographs. We would be nothing without the people who came before us, and this effort is our way of shining a light on those wonderful people.

Down Through The Years will be included inside a special edition of L’OBSERVATEUR, which will be delivered to homes and available at newsstands Jan. 31 throughout the River Parishes.

All printable submissions will be published, either in the special section or in the standard newspaper section.

Email your submissions to stephen.hemelt@lobservateur.com and please include your name and town of residence with all submissions.

Hard copies may be mailed to Down Through The Years, c/o L’Observateur, 116 Newspaper Drive, LaPlace, LA 70068, or dropped off at our office located off Main Street behind Destiny Christian Center. Submissions brought to the office will be scanned and returned to the submitter.

Submissions must be received by Jan. 23. If available, include a brief story about the history of the photograph.

For more information, call 985-652-9545.