This year marks the 150th anniversary of the first edition of the Belleville Weekly Democrat, which became the Belleville News-Democrat in 1883. During 2008, we are celebrating our anniversary by looking at our community's history. Here's a schedule of themes and publication dates:



Jan. 16: 150th anniversary of the News Democrat

Feb. 20: Life in Belleville 150 years ago

Mar. 19: Religion

Apr. 16: Weather and natural disasters

May 21: Public life and public service

June 18: The way we play (sports, entertainment and famous people

July 16: Health and medicine

Aug. 20: Education

Sept.17: Where we work

Oct. 15: Our ethnic heritage

Nov. 12: The metro-east at war

Dec. 10: Year-end section