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I am PASSIONATE about history as a source of information and inspiration.
But I am also PURPOSEFUL about history because, used strategically, it can PROFIT you, your business, or organization in ways you can't even imagine.
That's what we do at History Smiths: We find those connections for you -- connections that benefit you AND the communities you serve.
Check us out, be inspired, and be in touch!
-Bonnie Hurd Smith, CEO
   
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What clients
are saying...
""When I knew my company was going to celebrate its 100th anniversary, I wanted to do something lasting and meaningful. I contacted Bonnie at History Smiths because I knew she had the ability and reputation to do the historical research on my family-owned business, and the marketing skills to create a brochure, display, and media materials. My existing customers were delighted, and I attracted new clients because of the attention we received."
-Paul K. Soucy, Soucy Insurance Agency, Inc.,
Salem, MA "Bonnie brings knowledge, people skills, a cooperating persona and deep technical competence to her projects ... the 375th was a much better celebration for melding Bonnie's ideas into the year long program."
-Nat Pulsifer, Chair, Ipswich, MA 375th Anniversary Celebration "When my colleague Jim Whidden and I decided to develop an educational seminar to teach people the right way to restore an old house, we knew we would need marketing help from someone who was plugged into the history community. We wanted to reach historical societies, public libraries, and the kinds of audiences they attract. Bonnie had a fine reputation in the local historical community, and knew how to promote, which is an unusual combination. She also helped us with some of the local historical content. Within a year, we held a dozen or so seminars throughout our target region, attracted over 200 people, media attention, and new customers. We were thrilled."
-Mathew Cummings, Cummings Architects, LLC, Ipswich, MA "I was chief representative of the Massachusetts National Guard in the effort to debut Armory Park in Salem Massachusetts in 2001. Ms. Bonnie Smith was my counterpart on behalf of the Peabody Essex Museum. Due largely to her extensive expertise, energy and tact, the project concluded with complete success. The dedication, parade and black tie social event shed much positive publicity on the City of Salem, the Peabody Essex Museum, and the Massachusetts National Guard."
-Brig. General Albert A. Mangone, Massachusetts National Guard "When The Salem Partnership needed a first class interim executive director, a search led us to Bonnie Hurd Smith who was hired to fill that need. Bonnie brought considerable skills in management, organization and follow through to the Partnership and her interim status lead to a one-and-a -half -year stint as director. With her skills, we were able to begin $400M of state funded economic projects to Salem."
-Biff Michaud, president, Salem Partnership and CEO, Salem Witch Museum, Salem, MA
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How do you "do" your business history? I give you easy steps to follow -- and ideas about what to do next!
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If your business or organization is about to celebrate an anniversary, please don't just throw a party! We'll show you how
to really leverage this important event.
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Can a history trail benefit your business economically?
Absolutely! And it will also benefit your historical nonprofits, community, and everyone involved. Here's a "done for you" process to follow.
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Greetings!
Leadership on "history." I've been thinking about it a lot since this past Sunday, when I participated in a panel discussion at the Ipswich (MA) Museum about a local oral history project called "People and Place." This is a MODEL project for any community to follow. The book, exhibit, talks, and articles that resulted are the best I've seen. Terri Unger and Lucy Myers, the project directors, did outstanding work and gave a gift to their community that will last forever. I encourage you to buy their book and see what I mean! In a conversation I had that afternoon with one of the donors, a bank president, I suggested that EVERY community where his bank branches are located should do a version of this project. And that got me to thinking about leadership. Too often, people who don't have a degree in history think they aren't qualified to "do history." WRONG!!! We all have a role to play! How can you provide "historical" leadership in your community? I know an attorney in Salem, MA who is organizing the first-ever statue of a (historical) woman. I know a real estate developer in Boston who commissioned a history of a 100-year-old social services agency he directs. The examples go on and on, but what about you? What needs to be done in your community, and in the communities your business serves? Please dive in! As always, I am happy to discuss before you do.... Be well, and be in touch! 
Bonnie
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How Your Business Will Benefit from Joining
Your Historical Community
 | | "Business" and "History" can forge better strategic partnerships to benefit both sides -- and the communities they serve! |
by Bonnie Hurd Smith
Simply put, when you are involved in historical work, you become part of the historical community. You do not need a Ph.D. in history. You do not need to be an architectural preservationist. You do not need to be an expert on town history.
All you need is a sincere interest in local history and the desire to help.
The historical community needs everyone, including you, whatever your gifts may be. And when you do become involved, the business benefits include:
* A personal connection with potential customers in a non-business environment.
* The stature that comes from being involved in history.
* The trust of perspective customers that comes from being involved in history.
* The satisfaction of building a legacy.
* High staff morale.
You will benefit from personal connections AND publicity because historical projects require extensive promotion. Your name and your logo will be publicly affiliated with "good works" in front of thousands.
How can you become involved?
* Contact your historical society or museum. They always need support, and you can probably find a good fit between your business/expertise and their needs.
* Call friends who serve on the historical society board or who are known to support historical projects. They will know about projects that aren't public yet.
* Contact the history department of your local school or college. Is there a high profile project you could support?
Think of it as a business investment
You probably already know businesses that support the historical community in one way or another. But I am suggesting going beyond writing a check. To make the kind of personal connections that result in new customers, you really need to "get in there." You will need to put in some time as an adviser, a fundraising committee member, or as staff at a community event - whatever it takes to connect. (continued) |
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Do you have a question about how history can benefit your business, organization, or you personally? I would love to hear it, and I would love to answer it!
I might even feature your business or organization here, because others could benefit from the information!
If you're a nonprofit, you are also a business. Ask away! And if you're a historical nonprofit, do you have questions about how what we do can provide you with new revenue streams?
Please be in touch with your question!
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History Smiths believes in the three P's of History -- Passion, Purpose, and Profit. If you think about and use history
with PURPOSE and PASSION, you, your business, or organization will PROFIT in ways you can't even imagine!
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