NATCHEZ — Today begins a yearlong celebration 150 years in the making.

Oct. 8, 1865, just a few months after the end of the American Civil War, an Italian immigrant Paul A. Botto published the first issue of what would become The Natchez Democrat.

The first issue came with the help of Andrew Marschalk Jr., whose father was known as “The Founder of the Mississippi Press.”

A few months later, another young Natchez man, James W. Lambert, partnered with Botto. Their partnership fostered a newspaper that endures today.

“Our staff is humbled by the great legacy created by Mr. Botto and Mr. Lambert so many years ago,” Democrat publisher Kevin Cooper said. “It’s amazing to think that without their hard work and the work of hundreds of Democrat employees through the years, this newspaper might not exist.”

Through the years, The Democrat has provided local, state and world news to thousands and thousands of area readers.

“Newspapers are almost like public utilities, which serve a greater good,” Cooper said. “The newspaper depends on our community’s dedicated readership and support.

“Fortunately, the community has supported The Democrat through world wars, tornadoes, hurricanes, oil booms and busts and even seemingly trivial fights over the color of a downtown house.”

For the next year, The Democrat will mark its 150th year of existence and officially celebrate its 150th birthday on Oct. 8, 2015.

As part of its celebration, The Democrat hopes to compile a list of memories from readers and former employees in the coming weeks and months. If you have a memory of the newspaper to share, please call 601-442-9101 or email us at newsroom@natchezdemocrat.com.