introducing the history list ()
DESCRIPTION
The History List (www.TheHistoryList.com) is used by history-related groups and organizations to publicize their events, sites, and exhibits to people in their community, state, and region, and to people who are planning a trip from another region. There is no cost to list. Free tools make it easy to share a constantly-updated list of events with partners, members, fans, and the media. For state and national organizations, The History List's tools provide an easy way to power a calendar with activities entered by participating organizations and displayed immediately on one searchable, sortable calendar, as well as on calendars throughout their network.TRANSCRIPT
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
