introducing the history list ()

For organizations

IntroducingThe History List

“The History List is quickly becoming a pioneer on the

web for historical institutions.”

“Everything we are looking to share with the public is

at our finger tips, easy to use, and well thought out.”

Jodie McMenaminDevelopment Officer

USS Constitution Museum

“Each year Historic New England presents hundreds

of public events and programs at dozens of sites in

five states.

Unlike other event-listing websites, by focusing

exclusively on history, The History List connects our

events to a highly targeted audience and helps that

audience understand the full range of our offerings.”

Rob WatsonMarketing Manager

Historic New England

“There are plenty of calendar services available

online, but only The History List caters specifically to

the history community.

Their event-listing services are intuitive and easy,

their creators are smart and friendly, and our ability to

communicate with like-minded individuals and

institutions about our events and programming has

never been easier because of them.

I’d tell any history-related organization, if you aren’t

using The History List, you’re overlooking an

extremely useful and effective tool.”Matt Wilding

Media and Content ManagerFreedom Trail Foundation

“The Massachusetts Historical Society offers most

more than 100 public programs and events each year.

What makes The History List different is its targeted

approach.

“It is an easy-to-use online resource that connects

history enthusiasts to history-related events and

programs.”

Carol KnauffAssistant Director of Development for Communications

Massachusetts Historical Society

The History List

o Online platformo National in scopeo Connecting individuals interested in

history with . . o History-related events and exhibits,

sites and organizations . . .o And with others also interested in

history.

Overarching goal

Create broader, deeper awareness of history.

Observation

Despite all of the efforts, what we’ve been doing hasn’t been enough to educate others about the importance of our history.

Our opportunity

Coming face to face with history is compelling, eye-opening, moving, rewarding, fascinating.

We believe . . .

More people would attend events if they knew about them.

The objectives for The History List

o PrimaryDraw more people to events, exhibits, and

organizations by raising awareness

o SecondaryEnabling a community of interested

individualsConnect organizations in order to share ideas

and learn about resources

Our observation

Existing means for reaching beyond an organization’s base aren’t enough.

This announcement of an event in Boston went to 142 recipients How many of these e-mail addresses are still active? How many of the recipients forwarded it on to their organization’s members?

E-mail to other organizations

142 e-mail recipients for a notice of an event in Boston tied to the Civil War.

Traditional media outlets are reducing listings.

Expensive, difficult to stand out in city travel media.

Are there really 1,796 history events in the area? How do I sort through them?

Ad for shoes and handbags?

Tickets to events that have nothing to do with my search?

Listings for local McDonald’s restaurants in a search for “history?”

Existing sites don’t work well for many of our events. An ad for a

national chain

The History List

Curated and focused on historyHigh-quality environment

OnlineWhere everyone goes first—for local activities and

trip planningVirtually the only resource for a younger demographic—your future members, donors, volunteers

The History List

Events and exhibits, sites and organizationsHistorical societiesPreservation societiesHistorical commissionsHistoric sitesReenactor groupsTour providersProfessional history-related associationsGenealogical organizationsHistory and living history museumsMeetings of history and historic preservation practioners. . . and others

GeographyCurrently, the United States

Social sharing, add-to-calendar, and an embeddable widget are automatically included

Event page

Extensive information about the event, including nearly unlimited text and pictures

Questions, comments, and recommendations from users

Map included automatically

Tags, from the organizer or others, help people find this event

Names and dates for event entry and edits

Links to organization page and sources for more information

Hours, fees, wheelchair access, and suitability for small children are easy to scan

An embeddable widget is automatically included

Organization page

Extensive information about the organization, including nearly unlimited text and pictures

Questions, comments, and recommendations from users

Map included automatically

Names and dates for all entry and edits

Organization phone number, website, and e-mail address

For organizations, museums, and sites that are open for tours and visits, hours, fees, wheelchair access, and suitability for small children are included and easy to scan

Links to events that are coming up as well as past events are included automatically

On partner sites, linking to their page on The History ListIn partner newsletter or other publication

The History List

Easier for individuals and familiesTools to find interesting events anywhere—for a Saturday out or a trip across the countryBy distance to travel, location, event type, organization . . .Find recommended new events, exhibits, organizationsPlan with confidence –pictures, reviews, recommendations Share with others—Site, integrated social sharing

The History List

o Participating organizations include . . .

The Massachusetts Historical SocietyHistoric New EnglandThe Freedom Trail FoundationThe Massachusetts Society of GenealogistsThe Charles River Group of Historical SocietiesThe Blackstone Valley Group of Historical SocietiesThe Bostonian Society and the Old State House

MuseumThe USS Constitution MuseumThe New England Museum Association (NEMA)Old Sturbridge Village

The History List

o Getting startedDownload the one-page guide from

www.TheHistoryList.com/pages/helpLog in with Facebook or request an account

o Enter your informationAny staff member, intern, or volunteer can enter or editEnter your events and activities, including text and

picturesComplete the information about your organization, site,

or museumAdd the Member logo to your site and newsletter

The History List FAQ

o Scope?National, covering all aspects of American historyInitial are for outreach is New England, but

o Mobile?Envisioned from the beginningWould come some time after the launch of the site

o Funding?The focus is launching and creating a sustaining entity

o Revenue sources?SponsorshipPromoted eventsRelevant related items (tour book, lodging, tours)Directory of service providers

o Other questions?Please contact us and we’ll be happy to answer additional questions

Lee Wright

Lee@TheHistoryList.comTwitter: TheHistoryList

© 2012 The History List