Each site has a single theme, such as a person, an organization, a business, a community... Each is managed by (student) editors who write the copy, create the graphics and integrate the content with other sites that are related geographically or temporally.

EDITORS

Editors work in teams, either independently or with a mentor. Each team has from one to three members. Teams typically work together for one to three years on multiple sites. They identify topics, interview sources, write stories and enhance the sites with graphics.

MENTORS

Mentors are teachers or local history buffs, whose role is to help select topics and to assist with writing and editing skills. (Spelling counts.)

ORGANIZATION

The standard model assumes a local historical society serves as the organizer of numerous community history projects (sites), organized under an umbrella site. (More)

SPONSORSHIP

Each site is funded by a contribution. The cost of maintaining each site's availability is only pennies per day. Any costs associated with content are the responsibility of the local organizing entity, which is free to organize production as it sees fit.

The necessary financial contribution can come from the person whose story is being told, from a local business in exchange for acknowledgement of sponsorship, or from a local school or local historical society that wants to build a local history magazine quickly, inexpensively and organically, concentrating on content without undue attention to shifting technology.

FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITY

Depending on the objectives and management of the local project, the sponsoring entity may be able to use its project as a fundraising tool. The History Project is intended to be neutral with respect to the specifics of the local organization; THP receives revenue only for the hosting of the sites and for progressive improvements in the editing and publishing technology.