Bulimba History Group Website Case Study by Icewolf Designs
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- About Bulimba History Group
- Project Overview
- Website Features
- Before and After Slides
- Walking Tours
- Support and Membership
- Gallery and Blog
- Upcoming Events
- Sponsorship Section
- Conclusion
Introduction
In the digital age, a robust online presence is crucial for community groups to engage with their audience effectively. The Bulimba History Group, a dedicated community organisation focused on preserving and sharing the rich history of Bulimba, Queensland, partnered with Icewolf Designs to revamp their website. This case study explores the comprehensive development process and the resulting website, which showcases the local history and fosters community engagement.
About Bulimba History Group
The Bulimba History Group is a non-profit organisation committed to researching and documenting the history of Bulimba. Their mission is to preserve the local heritage and make it accessible to journalists, historians, students, and the general public. Through their efforts, they have compiled extensive resources on the area's history, including detailed accounts of local World War I soldiers.
As stated by the group's founder, "Our goal is to ensure that the rich history of Bulimba is not forgotten. We strive to engage the community and provide valuable resources for those interested in our local heritage."
Project Overview
Icewolf Designs was tasked with creating a modern, user-friendly website that would effectively showcase the Bulimba History Group's work and resources. The project involved a complete overhaul of the existing website, with a focus on enhancing user experience, improving navigation, and highlighting the group's key initiatives.
The development process included several stages, from initial consultation and planning to design, development, and testing. Throughout the project, Icewolf Designs worked closely with the Bulimba History Group to ensure that the website met their specific needs and aligned with their mission.
Website Features
The new Bulimba History Group website is packed with features designed to engage users and provide them with valuable information about the local history. Some of the key features include:
- A large slideshow at the top of the front page, showcasing the beauty and history of the Bulimba area.
- Interactive before and after slides using JavaScript, allowing users to see the transformation of historical sites.
- Walking tours that users can follow while exploring Bulimba, complete with detailed descriptions and historical context.
- A support page with various membership options, enabling community members to contribute to the group's efforts.
- A gallery showcasing historical photographs and documents, providing a visual journey through Bulimba's past.
- A blog featuring articles on local history, including detailed accounts of World War I soldiers from the area.
- An upcoming events section, keeping users informed about the group's activities and initiatives.
- A sponsorship section, highlighting local businesses and individuals who support the Bulimba History Group.
Before and After Slides
One of the standout features of the new website is the interactive before and after slides. These slides use JavaScript to allow users to toggle between historical and current images of various locations in Bulimba. This feature not only provides a fascinating visual comparison but also helps users understand the changes that have occurred over time.
For example, users can view the transformation of the Bulimba Ferry Terminal, seeing how it has evolved from a simple wooden structure to a modern transportation hub. This feature has been praised by users for its educational value and engaging presentation.
Walking Tours
The Bulimba History Group website includes a series of walking tours that users can follow while exploring the area. These tours are designed to provide an immersive experience, guiding users through historical sites and offering detailed information about each location.
One popular tour is the "Bulimba Heritage Walk," which takes users on a journey through some of the area's most significant historical sites. Along the way, users can learn about the history of buildings, landmarks, and notable figures who have shaped Bulimba's past.
As one user commented, "The walking tours on the Bulimba History Group website have been a fantastic way to explore the area. I've learned so much about the history of Bulimba, and the tours have made it easy and enjoyable to discover new places."
Support and Membership
The Bulimba History Group relies on the support of the community to continue their important work. The website features a dedicated support page that outlines various membership options, allowing users to contribute to the group's efforts.
Membership options range from individual memberships to corporate sponsorships, each offering different levels of benefits and engagement opportunities. By becoming a member, individuals and businesses can help fund the group's research, preservation, and educational initiatives.
The support page also includes a section on how to make donations, ensuring that those who wish to contribute can do so easily and securely. This feature has been instrumental in helping the Bulimba History Group sustain their operations and continue their mission.
Gallery and Blog
The website's gallery is a treasure trove of historical photographs and documents, providing users with a visual journey through Bulimba's past. The gallery is organized by theme and time period, making it easy for users to explore different aspects of the area's history.
One of the most popular sections of the gallery is the collection of photographs from World War I, featuring images of local soldiers who served in the conflict. These photographs serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the Bulimba community during the war.
The blog section of the website is another valuable resource for users interested in local history. The blog features articles on a wide range of topics, from detailed accounts of historical events to profiles of notable figures from Bulimba's past.
One notable blog series is dedicated to the World War I soldiers from the Bulimba area. Each article in the series provides a comprehensive account of a soldier's life, including their military service, personal stories, and the impact they had on the community. This series has been praised for its thorough research and engaging storytelling.
Upcoming Events
The Bulimba History Group is actively involved in organizing and participating in various events throughout the year. The website's upcoming events section keeps users informed about these activities, allowing them to stay engaged with the group's initiatives.
Events range from historical tours and lectures to community gatherings and fundraisers. Each event listing includes details such as date, time, location, and a brief description, making it easy for users to find and participate in events that interest them.
One recent event that garnered significant attention was the "Bulimba Remembers" exhibition, which showcased artifacts and stories from the area's World War I history. The event was a resounding success, drawing large crowds and raising awareness about the importance of preserving local heritage.
Sponsorship Section
The Bulimba History Group website includes a sponsorship section that highlights local businesses and individuals who support the group's efforts. This section serves as a way to recognize and thank sponsors for their contributions, while also encouraging others to get involved.
Each sponsor is featured with a brief profile, including their name, logo, and a description of their support for the Bulimba History Group. This not only helps to promote the sponsors but also demonstrates the strong community support for the group's mission.
One example of a sponsor featured on the website is a local café that regularly donates a portion of their proceeds to the Bulimba History Group. The café's owner stated, "We believe in the importance of preserving our local history, and we're proud to support the Bulimba History Group in their efforts."
Conclusion
The Bulimba History Group website, developed by Icewolf Designs, is a testament to the power of a well-designed online platform in engaging and educating a community. Through its comprehensive features, including the large slideshow, interactive before and after slides, walking tours, support page, gallery, blog, upcoming events, and sponsorship section, the website effectively showcases the rich history of Bulimba and encourages community involvement.
The success of the website is a result of the close collaboration between Icewolf Designs and the Bulimba History Group, ensuring that the final product aligns with the group's mission and meets the needs of its users. As the Bulimba History Group continues to grow and expand its initiatives, the website will serve as a valuable tool in preserving and sharing the area's heritage for generations to come.
