The point has been made many times in many ways on this page, but it still bears repeating: The history of a place like Suffolk is too important to be allowed to die, too vibrant to let it be lost in the shuffle of progress. Suffolk’s history has made it the place it is today, and an appreciation of those factors that contributed to the current state of the city is a good thing for any resident, old or new.

The Greater Chuckatuck Historical Foundation recently completed a comprehensive and professional-looking book that documents the history of Chuckatuck, Cherry Grove, Everets, Longview, Milner’s, Oakland, Reid’s Ferry, Sandy Bottom and Wills’ Corner. “Chuckatuck: Crossroads in Time” is the kind of book that should find a place on the shelf beside the iconic and foundational “Suffolk: A Celebration of History,” written by Kermit Hobbs and William A. Paquette.

Another organization, the Crittenden, Eclipse and Hobson Heritage Foundation was responsible in 2007 for putting together a wonderful book about the history of a part of Suffolk often known for its distinct character. “The River That Binds Us” was the first of the North Suffolk history books to come along and set a tone of professionalism and comprehensiveness that can be seen in its North Suffolk successor, the Chuckatuck book.

The CE&H Heritage Foundation has begun work on a new project aimed at publishing a book that will conclude the North Suffolk history series. With its sights set on a December publication date, the Foundation is now looking into the history of the Bennett’s Creek, Pughsville and Driver areas. Members of the organization have put out a call for material — photos, paper records and memories — that can be used in the new book.

When the new publication is complete, folks in North Suffolk (and others who are interested in the area) will have access to a complete library of books to help them understand the people and events that shaped their community. It’s just the sort of thing that can make a growing community like Bennett’s Creek, for instance, feel like home to the new people who have moved there.

We’re not new to the area, but we still look forward to adding the new book to our library shelves.