News & Press celebrates 150 years!

The front page of The Darlington News on Thursday, November 28, 1878. IMAGE COURTESY DCHCM



The front page of The Darlington News, Thursday, January 5, 1888. PHOTO COURTESY DCHCM



The front page of The Darlington Press, Thursday, April 25, 1907. PHOTO COURTESY OF DCHCM.
By Stephan Drew, Editor
This year marks an historic milestone for the News & Press newspaper in Darlington, as we celebrate 150 years of dedicated service to the community!
The Darlington News was established in 1875 as a weekly, publishing on Thursdays. In 1908 it was consolidated with the Darlington Press, under the new name News and Press. Since then, the News & Press has been a cornerstone of local journalism, chronicling the events, milestones, and stories that define the lives of Darlington County residents.
The News & Press began as a modest publication with a clear mission: to inform, engage, and connect the people of Darlington. Through wars, economic upheavals, and social transformations, the newspaper has remained steadfast, adapting to the times while preserving its commitment to journalistic integrity.
“It’s truly remarkable to reflect on the journey of the News & Press over these past 150 years,” said General Manager Jordan Grimsley, “From the early days of hand-operated presses to the digital age of today, the focus has always been on providing accurate and meaningful reporting for our readers.”
Throughout its storied history, the News & Press has played a vital role in shaping the local narrative. From covering groundbreaking moments like world wars and the desegregation of schools in the 1960s, to spotlighting community achievements and preserving cultural heritage, the publication has been a trusted voice in Darlington County.
The News & Press would like to thank Brian Gandy, Executive Director of the Darlington County Historical Commission and Museum (DCHCM) and his wonderful staff for their tremendous help with our research during this time.
In honor of its sesquicentennial, the News & Press has planned a series of celebratory events throughout the year. These include special historic articles, featuring highlights from the newspaper’s archives, special offers during the year and an event later this year to thank the community for your 150 years of support.
“The News & Press is more than just a newspaper; it’s a living archive of our community’s history,” said one Darlington resident. “It’s incredible to think about the countless stories they’ve shared over a century and a half.”
As the News & Press enters its 150th year, it looks forward to continuing its mission of serving Darlington County. With an eye on the future and a respect for its rich past, the newspaper remains committed to its role as the trusted source of local news, championing the voices and stories that matter most to the community.
Here’s to celebrating 150 years of the News & Press — and to many more years of reporting the news that matters most to our readers.