Designing a Website for The East Contra Costa Historical Society

The problem

The East Contra Costa Historical Society was already doing important work—maintaining exhibits, hosting school visits, and preserving historical records—but much of that information was scattered across different listings and community announcements.

A few key challenges stood out:

• People were often learning about the museum from third-party event sites or local directories, not directly from the organization’s own website.
• Hours, location, and program details (like seasonal open days and special events) were not always easy to confirm in one place.
• The breadth of what the Society offers—museum exhibits, an 1870s house, a schoolhouse, a caboose, a resource center, and outreach programs—was hard to grasp quickly online.

In other words, the organization’s mission was strong, but their website wasn’t fully supporting awareness, visits, or community engagement.

The Solution

The goal of the redesign was to create a welcoming, informative website that clearly presents who the Society is, what visitors can experience, and how the community can get involved—all in a structure that feels approachable for both casual visitors and researchers.

Strategic priorities included:

• Clear basics front and center
  The site makes it simple to find museum location, hours, and directions, including the Sellers Avenue and Sunset Road corner, mailing address, and seasonal open times.
• Showcasing the museum and grounds
  Content highlights the historic Byer‑Nail House, the schoolhouse, the caboose, and outdoor displays so visitors can see what they’ll experience before they arrive.
• Supporting education and research
  Because the organization operates a resource center and works closely with schools and local historians, the site provides clear paths for teachers, students, and researchers to find contact information and request access to materials.
• Aligning with the mission
  The design and messaging reinforce the mission to “collect, maintain, preserve, and protect” artifacts and information related to the eastern portion of Contra Costa County, while inviting residents to learn more about their shared heritage.

The overall experience is designed to feel calm, organized, and trustworthy—much like walking into a well-curated museum with helpful docents to guide you.

The result

The finished website gives East Contra Costa Historical Society a stronger digital foundation that better reflects the value of the museum and its programs. It helps visitors quickly answer the most common questions—when are you open? Where are you located? What can I see there? —and then invites them deeper into the story of the region.

For a volunteer-driven nonprofit, this site:

• Reduces confusion by consolidating hours, location, and contact details in one reliable place.
• Makes it easier for teachers and community groups to connect with the Society for tours and educational experiences.
• Gives local residents a clearer picture of why preserving East Contra Costa history matters—and how they can visit, support, or get involved.