Residents of Eclipse and Crittenden are campaigning to be included in the National Register of Historic Places, and we find that endeavor to be worthwhile.

Many other historic areas neighborhoods and communities throughout the nation are included on this list. Suffolk places recognized include Chuckatuck, Driver, Holland, Somerton, West End and Whaleyville. Eclipse and Crittenden deserve to be on this list just as much as these other communities.

Eclipse and Crittenden have a rich history that goes back to the watermen who founded the village and plied the local waterways for their living. It has unique architecture and historic churches, organizations and businesses that surely will bolster the community’s case for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.

Eclipse and Crittenden are neighborhoods with a great deal of community spirit, storied histories of residents and many fun events throughout the year — especially on Independence Day, when a parade, raft race and fireworks take center stage.

Listing on the register confers many benefits, including encouraging present and future owners to continue to exercise good stewardship. In addition, owners of registered properties may qualify for state and federal historic rehabilitation tax credits, receive technical assistance for maintenance and rehabilitation projects and purchase plaques that mark the significance of their properties.

There still is work to be done on the community’s application for inclusion. However, if a majority of the residents decide this designation is something they would like to pursue, we would be wholeheartedly in favor of that.