There is a book, “Thinking in Time,” that beautifully emphasizes the importance of understanding the past to uncover valuable lessons for the present.

 It stands as a testament to the enduring value of history—and, most significantly, historians. This profound work, published in 1986 by my late professors Richard Neustadt and Ernest May, offers compelling case studies to illustrate its message.

 In many ways, the book echoes George Santayana’s timeless insight from his 1905 work The Life of Reason: The Phases of Human Progress, in which he famously observed, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

 Yet, we don't need textbooks or Harvard professors to appreciate the richness of history.

 Our local historians provide an irreplaceable lens through which we glimpse the future by understanding our shared past. This thought struck me deeply during a conversation with my colleague Tim Cranston, North Kingstown's beloved resident historian, who recently retired from writing his column for Southern Rhode Island newspapers.

 It came to mind again last week while reflecting on Snug Harbor resident Hilly Munson, whose dedication to preserving and honoring history was captured so poignantly as I wrote his obituary.

 "A similar loss, John Miller of Narragansett, happened just before Christmas. He was a devoted local historian. A big loss for us all," wrote local journalist Arline Fleming to me.

 Intrigued, she and I compiled a list of others who have contributed to preserving local history.

 It is a rich and diverse legacy, including scores of local librarians, Tim Cranston, Winifred J.W. Kissouth, Barbara Hackey, Ted Wright, John Miller, Betty Cotter, University of Rhode Island Professor William Metz, former URI President Carl Woodward, Sallie Latimer, Erica Luke, Rudi Hempe, Robert O’Neill, Donna Rodgers, and many more.

 Some of these individuals have passed into history themselves, while others continue to offer their wisdom and guidance.

 These individuals bridged the gap between the present and the past, unraveling stories that spanned years, decades, or even centuries. They made sense of time, helping others to see its lessons and meaning.

 Local history is the soul of a community, encompassing its memories, values, and identity. Preserving it requires the collaborative efforts of historians, librarians, town clerks, and everyday community members.

 These stewards of history uncover forgotten details, illuminate cultural shifts, and ensure that the lessons of the past remain a beacon for the future.

 In their own ways, photographic historians document visual legacies, political historians record civic life, and librarians curate invaluable archives for public access. Neighbors, town clerks, and even amateur genealogists contribute personal stories and official records, piecing together the rich tapestry of our shared history.

 This collective work enriches modern life, connecting legacy buildings, enduring traditions, and timeless values to our daily experiences.

 Even small efforts, like preserving family photos or compiling oral histories, help keep the past alive in meaningful ways.

 The importance of this work cannot be overstated.

 Without preservation, a community’s identity risks fading into obscurity. Each story and artifact contributes to a broader understanding of who we are and what we can learn from those who came before us.

 History, after all, is not a distant relic but a living guide for the challenges and opportunities of today and tomorrow.

 So, when you meet a local historian, take a moment to say, “Thank you for your service.”

 Without their dedication, the past risks dissolving into a blur, leaving behind only whispers of voices once vibrant and truths once vital.

 Thanks to them, however, those echoes remain alive and resonant, guiding us toward a future informed by the lessons learned once already.

 Bill Seymour covers news and feature stories throughout Southern Rhode Island. The views expressed in “About South County” are his own.