Case Studies
THE TARRANT COUNTY BLACK HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
The Tarrant County Black Historical and Genealogical Society is a non-profit organization whose mission is to locate, collect, analyze, organize and preserve African-American historical contributions used to educate, empower and interpret African-American history in Tarrant County.
Factors
The Tarrant County Black Historical and Genealogical Society (Society) is over 30-years-old and struggles to build awareness in the greater community. Its budget is stretched and there are few dollars. Thus, it has never had a web presence until recently. Familiar with the Society and its efforts, Pavlik wanted to take the organization to the next level. The Pavlik team researched other genealogical organizations on the web, finding that they had little to no presence on the web. Pavlik knew that if the Society were to unveil an impressive, professional site, it would be set apart from similar organizations.
The Society’s Board of Trustees was in the midst of reenergizing itself and had an exciting opportunity to map out short and long term plans to create an overall vision in a “living history” initiative.Agency Role
The Pavlik team worked with the Society’s Board to design an innovative concept that would lay the groundwork for future development, producing a website that was appropriate for the Society.
Results
- Legitimacy:: Since the Boone House (the Organization’s museum) has taken some time to complete, the website provides a public presence that adds to the legitimacy of the Society.
- Awareness:Black historical societies across the U.S. often communicate and interact with one another. Connections with other societies led to enhanced programming in Fort Worth’s black cultural museum. Other societies also help to get the word out about the Society.
- Quickness and Accessibility: The website allows for instantaneous updates on status of the Society and effortless membership payments. Also, because the Society has no full time staff, the website serves as a placeholder to answer general questions, receive dues and gifts 24/7, and allows for the dissemination of information.
- New Membership: The website allows the Society to reach groups of people who might currently be unaware of it and the services it provides. Thus, membership has gone up as awareness and member benefits have increased.
- Search Engine Optimization: Research shows that most individuals use the internet to gather information and make decisions regarding his/her involvement in an organization. Web presence sets the society apart from the average Texas historical/genealogical society.