A new website requires more than just design and development. It demands an interest in American history.
Local historical societies seeking to improve access to their digital archives, historical information, and the web presence of their local history need the right kind of affordable support.
I grew up in and around my hometown’s historical society. When I was in high school around 2003-2005, I worked to build a new site as part of my first job at the Washington County Historical Society in Indiana. Today I’ve done work contributing to historical societies around the Midwest.
Beyond “website design” to curation and contributions
County and state historical societies know many things to be true:
- Volunteers are critical
- Staff members are sometimes hard to find or retain
- Websites matter
- New displays and exhibits that are dynamic and creative bring people in the door
- Events and community-focused programs also bring people in the door
- You have to have a mix of all of the above to be successful
I do not work for free (I can’t afford to). But I do work affordably on consistent, budget-friendly monthly retainers starting around $700/mo.
My work is unique from most designers and developers because I go beyond the website design itself. That much of it is largely irrelevant. What matters is having a dynamic series of posts, stories, pages, and online exhibits that complement and supplement your in-house programs and events.
What you get when you hire me
- You get a new website with an attractive design unique to your Society
- You get access to my design and development process that’s transparent and efficient
- You get my ability to help research and write new posts, stories, interviews, and exhibits unique to your home or region
I believe business should be an act of friendship.
I work closely with clients for the long term. My average client relationship is now over ten years.
No other designer or developer will write material for your site. Volunteers may be interested, but they don’t combine my knowledge of search engine optimization, page layout, and technical skills to do this exceedingly well. Few designers and developers are likely to possess my background and interest in the unique history and American story that surrounds us.
- I help write material and develop the site for the Warren County, MO, Historical Society. Their site includes an online store, email campaigns, and stories written mostly by me.
- I’ve written a published book about The Great Tri-State Tornado of 1925.
- I have published multiple articles in the Indiana Historical Society’s Traces magazine.
- Few people in the United States combine a love of narrative nonfiction writing with the technical skills to produce a unique, compelling, and highly functional website like I do.
I work remotely from my home but work with organizations nationwide. If you can help me procure photos from your archives and artifacts, connect me to local resources for interviews and narratives, and have the desire to create a long-term, sustainable solution for your visitors and historical society, I’m the guy who can create a website that goes beyond listing your hours and a few events. You’ll get a website that encourages people to keep coming back, learn about new stories, and encourages them to subscribe as members and followers.
Does this sound like something your historical society is ready for?
