Organizations can use The History List to manage the list of events on their own website.  They only have to set it up once—no technical skills necessary—and then every time they add or edit one of their events on The History List, it will be automatically and immediately updated on their own website.  

For example, The Marlborough Historical Society (Marlborough, MA), enters their events on The History List they display automatically on their website.  They enter them once and they appear in both places.  The organizations have the convenience of using the functionality built into The History List, such as handling all types of repeating patterns, and the convenience of entering them only once.

Similarly, an organization can make a continually updated list of its events available to others, including local websites, tourism sites, and bloggers.

• Use this tool to create and manage the list of events on your site
• Use this tool to create an automated event calendar with events from several organizations

The American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) recognized named this projects as 2013 "Leadership in History" award winners for the efforts to preserve and engage people with local history.

We compiled these slides to make it easier to learn from the hard work of the individuals and organizations recognized.

Updated 9/18/13: Join the National Campaign for Historic Sites and History Organizations: "Make this holiday historic!"  More information on getting involved.

The History List brings people face to face with history through its free, easy-to-use resource for listing history-related events and organizations. Hundreds of organizations participate. There is no cost. More information on why other organizations participate, the advantages, and how you can get started. 

We've just made it even quicker to add your events and your profile page.

Yes, The History List includes hundreds of organizations and their events.  (In fact, today it's the largest list of history-related events going on across the country.  We also publish the largest list of history and preservation conferences for professionals.)

However, individual presenters, such as authors, filmmakers, and lecturers, performers, costumed interpreters, musicians, artisans and craftsmen, and other experts who present history-related programs can take full advantage of The History List by using an Organization page and listing themselves as the “organization" and then adding their events.

There are two requirements: These must be scheduled events, such book tours, lectures, or programs or exhibits at an historical society, history museum, or historic site, and they must be directly relate to history.

It's three simple steps:

As with listings for organizations, there is no cost. 

The slides that follow walk through this and provide tips and examples.  If you are unsure of whether your program, event, or exhibit belongs on The History List, ask us.
 

Updated January 1, 2014

You can submit a photo to appear as one of the panoramic photos at the top of the pages throughout The History List.  Our goal is to represent the wide range of organizations and events included on The History List.  This includes different types of organizations and events, different eras represented, and different seasons and geographies.

Here are the guidelines:

• Shows your facility, site or event. 
• Whatever is shown should be listed on The History List.
• Not a typical PR or marketing shot. 
• Does have people engaged in activities, which could be as simple as looking at an exhibit or as involved as participating in a large-scale reenactment.
• No people looking at the camera.  No one posed.
• Large enough that we can crop to the pano format.  Keep in mind the logo that covers up part of the left side of the picture.  (Just send the large image;  we will handle the cropping.)
• You must own the rights to the photo.

If you have one or two that meet these guidelines, send them in.  Include the text that explains the picture—we will modify the text as-needed—and include a link to the event or organization page on The History List.  Photos selected will include a link to the event or organization page on The History List.

Updated January 14, 2014: The History List Guide to Summer Camps and Programs at Historic Sites and Institutions is compiled annually based on summer camps and programs that organizations have add to The History List.  The 2013 guide is here.

Introducing "The History List Guide to Summer Camps and Programs at Historic Sites and Institutions."

To participate, simply add your event for kids using the "Add events" link above and check the "Summer camp or program" box near the bottom of the form when you enter your event.

To start, you'll need to be signed in.  For immediate access, sign in with Facebook, or you can request a free account on The History List.  (More information on The History List, the calendar system for history organizations.)

Examples

• History Summer Day Camp: Colonial Days
• Three Yesterdays Summer Camp (Grades 1 - 2)

FAQ

• What is the definition of "summer camp or program?"  Any multi-day program for kids.  It doesn't have to involve tents or include sleeping overnight.  Yes, the icon shows a tent, but it's not meant to be literal.  (If you can come up with an icon we use instead of this one, we'll sing your praises and send you a t-shirt.  We tried dozens before settling on this one.  The icon has to be easily recognizable and telegraphic at the very small size we use, and consistent with the design of the site.  If you have one that meets those criteria, send it in.)
• What about the "at historic sites and institutions" part? Similar to our criteria for The History List as a whole, if someone would be puzzled as to why your organization and "camp" are listed here, even after reading the description, then it probably doesn't belong.
  • We have a traditional sleep-away summer camp in the mountains that's been in operation in the same place every summer since 1912.  Unless the site is historic in some way or something involving history is a significant part of the summer program, it's probably not a fit.
  • We have a week-long summer arts program in our National Register-listed property.  Being in that setting one would think that the attendees would gain an appreciation for the historic structure and perhaps the history behind it even if the  program itself doesn't have anything to do with history.  Many historic properties use special events and programs to generate the revenue necessary to remain viable.  Increasing awareness of those is one of the main goals of The History List, so please add your organization and summer camp.
  • We have a one-day program for kids at our history museum every Friday during the summer.  While that surely must be fun for the children who participate, it's definitely different than what one expects from a list of camps, which would be programs that are typically four to seven days long.  So list your event, just don't check the "Camp" box.
• How do I make my program stand out?  Create a complete, detailed listing for your organization and your summer camp, including text, pictures, and even video.  You have essentially unlimited space to add as much as you wish.  Explain your program and answer the key questions parents and kids might have.  There will be a place to include a link to your site for more information.
• How do I report a listing that shouldn't be included?  Send us a message or click on the "Flag" link at the bottom of the listing.
• I had a great experience at the camp I attended and want to let others know about the program.  Outstanding.  Add your comment in the "Comments" area at the near the bottom of the listing.  Go into detail.  Others who are considering this program will be glad you did.

You'll find the entire list of summer camps and programs at www.TheHistoryList.com/camps.