Archive Implementation

Build Your Digital Archive

You're ready to move forward with a digital archive. Let's build a robust, accessible system that meets your organization's needs.

Start Building Your Archive

Ed's Complete Archive Solution

A robust set of proven features makes it quick and easy to get up and running.

I've built a number of sites that use a common code base and feature set to make archive construction simple, provide the functionality that organizations need, and make long-term ownership and operation easy.

Engaging User Experience
  • Unfied publications and collections content
  • Unified browsing experience
  • Advanced filtering and search
  • Designed for both mobile and desktop
Robust Technology
  • Industrial grade software
  • AWS Cloud based hosting
  • Automatic backups
  • Low cost of ownership
Content Migration
  • The most important part of the project
  • Focus on automated processes
  • Unify images and descriptive info
  • Org specific content migration tools
Advanced Functionality
  • Content monetization / paywall
  • User/member submissions
  • AI Powered content Tagging

Built on Proven Technology

Modern, sustainable solutions for long-term success

Why These Technologies?

Industrial Grade

Widely used high quality platforms

Easy to Use

Multiple easy ways to add and manage content

Cost Effective

Cloud hosted Open Source tools keep costs low over the short and long term.

Future-Proof

Built with modern standards for painless growth and long-term sustainability

Technology Stack

Content Management
Drupal
Hosting & Infrastructure
Amazon Lightsail
File Storage
AWS S3
Archive Record Management
Google Spreadsheets

Communicating Your Archive Vision

Getting board and membership buy-in is crucial for archive project success

The Challenge of Internal Communication

Board members may not understand the technical aspects of digital archives

Membership might question the investment in "new technology"

Concerns about moving away from traditional methods

Need to demonstrate clear value and return on investment

How Ed Helps You Build Support

Board Presentations: Clear, non-technical explanations of archive benefits and implementation

Member Communications: Help craft newsletters and announcements that build excitement

ROI Documentation: Demonstrate how archives increase engagement and potential revenue

Success Stories: Share examples from other historical societies who've made the transition

Phased Approach: Break the project into manageable phases that demonstrate early wins

"Ed helped us present our archive vision in a way that got our entire board excited about the possibilities."

Many organizations struggle with internal communication around digital transformation. Ed's experience working with historical society boards means he understands the concerns and can help you address them proactively with clear, compelling presentations that focus on mission alignment and member value.

Implementation Process

From weeks to months, Ed works on your schedule

1

Discovery & Planning

Discussions about your organization and figuring out the details of your build.

2

System Setup & Configuration

Site setup, configuration and styling.

3

Content Migration & Testing

The real meat of any project. Getting your current archive content into the site and developing tools to help you add more in the future.

4

Training & Launch

Team training, final adjustments, public launch preparation and post-launch support.

Portfolio of Archive Sites

Examples of successful archive implementations

Delaware & Hudson Railway Historical Society Archive
Delaware & Hudson Archive
Digital-first historical society with integrated membership platform
  • Patreon membership integration
  • Premium content paywall
  • Digital publication hosting
  • User contribution system
Nickel Plate Archive
The Nickel Plate Archive
Sharing the NKPHTS's collection with the world.
  • Almost 30,000 images
  • Content created from images stored on a portable HD
  • Coming Soon
    Premium paywalled content
The CRHS's Archive Site
CRHS Archives
Telling the Conrail story through artifacts
  • The online catalog for the CRHS's holdings
  • Growing archive with diverse objects
  • Content imported automatically from Google Spreadsheet data

Each archive is custom-built to meet the specific needs and brand identity of the organization.

Investment

Transparent pricing for complete archive implementation

Complete Archive Package
Everything you need for a professional digital archive
Starting at $5,000

One-time implementation fee

Included Services

  • Complete system setup
  • Site styling
  • Automated content migration
  • Team training
  • 30 days post-launch support

Ongoing Costs

Ready to Build Your Archive?

Let's discuss your collection, requirements, and timeline. We'll create a custom proposal that fits your needs and budget.

Schedule Project Discussion

Free consultation • Custom proposal • No obligation