Historical Non-Profit Checks-In to the Here and Now

Battle of Carthage, Inc.

My Client, Battle of Carthage Inc. is a non-profit whose focus is educating the public about the Civil War Battle held in Carthage, MO in 1861.

The Past and the Future

Battle of Carthage, Inc. planned and hosted many events in the city with the last major event, a battle reenactment that involved the entire city, having been held in 2011.  The group took a breather and after some changes to the board, the group became inactive but was still intact. In 2020, the board decided to begin plans for the 160^th anniversary of the battle coming in 2021. That is when the group discovered that their 501c3 needed to be renewed.

Because no one from the group had been actively taking care of their original website and social media, they found themselves without any kind of web presence in an age that depends on social media more than it had previously. They knew that in order to get the word out to the public in the most effective way, they would need to once again have a web presence. And, as a part of the renewal of the 501c3, a website was suggested. This was the catalyst that created the need to find someone they could trust to create a simple website and because the event was being planned for 2021, there was a time crunch.

Connecting Point

Battle of Carthage, Inc. learned that I was starting a web design business and approached me about this project. They told me what was needed and asked me if I would take on the project. Garry Keene and Steve Cottrell, both board officers, told me they had complete confidence and trust in me and they knew I would create something that would reflect the heart of their organization. I was happy to accept the project and grateful for the trust they expressed in my abilities.

The Here and Now

I created a website for Battle of Carthage, Inc. and was able to meet their deadline. They provided photos and helped with the content I created banners, logos, and some basic content. I also created a Facebook group page for the Battle of Carthage, Inc. Garry told me the website looks great and it truly reflects what the group is about. Unfortunately, COVID-19 hit just after I finished the project. The event has been postponed with plans for 2022. 

Now that Battle of Carthage, Inc. is in the here and now, the website logged 83 page views during the past month (December 2020 – January 2021) and 98% of them are new visitors. The word is spreading!  The Facebook group has 108 likes. I can’t wait to see how much it will grow in the next year. I will encourage regular Facebook posts as the 2022 event is planned and nears.  I have a feeling 2022 is going to be a great year for Battle of Carthage, Inc. Besides, the internet is a lot faster than the Pony Express!