California Genealogical Society blog: New Website Preview

A screen clip of our updated masthead

Chris Pattillo, Website Committee Chair, writes:

Last July I blogged about our new website and invited members to submit old family photos for the new home page. Several of you submitted some wonderful photos and member Lois Elling is working on how to display them on the new site.

In the meantime, the website committee has been working diligently with our representative from K2, the web design firm hired to implement the new design. Our goal is to launch the new site in December or January. At the October 12^th Quarterly Membership Meeting, we plan give a preview of the new site. While the look of the site has changed, all of the content and search features from our original site are still there, mostly from the same pulldown menus everyone is familiar with.

A need to update the CGS website was something we heard during the strategic planning process. There was a clear consensus that it needed a fresh, modern look and better organizing, so that is what we have attempted to do. We hope you will agree that the site is much improved.

Top 3 boxes on the home page

The new site’s home page has six boxes that describe and link to features of most interest to our members. The top three link to the list of upcoming "Classes and Events," "Visit Our Library," and to a list of Special Interest Groups. The link to classes and events goes directly to what is posted on EventBrite, so all of the details about classes is in one place. The link to "Visit Our Library" takes you to an explanation of what is available at the library and all our offerings.

Bottom 3 boxes on the home page

The bottom three boxes include a link to our Blog and two new features that are intended to attract new members. At times we have heard feedback expressing concern about the safety of our downtown Oakland location. "Showcase Oakland" features the neighborhood surrounding the library and includes tips on nearby and new businesses. "Past Events," another new feature, has photos from many of the events CGS has hosted in the past – we think site visitors will be impressed by the type and breadth of programs we offer.

3 Get Started buttons

Under the heading "Get Started" we have added three easy links: one to videos created by Kathie Jones and Shannon Reese about getting started with research, one where you can sign up for our eNews, and one goes directly to the Research page for hiring a researcher.

Four new features at the bottom of the Home Page

At the bottom of the home page you will find four more new features. A "Shop" button will take you to a listing of all of the books and other items available for purchase at the library. "Support CGS" explains all of the different ways you can support the society, from donating books to listing CGS in your personal Trust. "Leave A Suggestion" is another new feature: this is where members can suggest new books, speakers, field trips or whatever good ideas you have. And, you will find a link to a new Calendar on the home page; it shows library hours, committee and board meeting dates, our classes and events and everything else that is happening at CGS.

It may take a few visits to get used to the new layout but once you do, we hope you will agree that the site is much improved. If you have suggestions of what can be made even better, now you have an easy way to share your ideas.