Alt Media
Music

Music Nonprofit & Historical Archive Site

Chicago Blues Society: Preserving a Cultural Legacy Online

The Chicago Blues Society is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich musical heritage of Chicago blues. When they approached me, their vision was clear but their concept was simple: use black-and-white imagery and the Chicago flag colors. What they got was an immersive, content-rich digital experience that honored the past while inviting future generations into the fold.

My Role

  • Full website design and development (WordPress)

  • Creative direction and visual expansion beyond the original brief

  • Curated all historical photography used throughout the site

  • Built content-rich subpages with drop-down navigation

  • Organized and structured archives of artists, music, clubs, and documentaries

  • SEO setup, accessibility considerations, and donation integration

  • Wrote blog articles and site copy

  • Built board member profiles and structured the organizational side of the site

Creative Direction & Challenges

The original request was minimal: use the colors of the Chicago flag and focus on black-and-white imagery. But the legacy of Chicago blues deserved more. I transformed the concept into a living archive that would educate, inspire, and engage.

I hand-selected every historic photo, ensuring the visuals not only matched the aesthetic but also carried emotional and historical weight. The layout was designed to be easy to navigate yet layered with depth, letting visitors explore the story of Chicago blues from every angle.

Site Features & Structure

  • Chicago Blues Mega Menu: Includes curated sections for:

    • Artists

    • Blues Documentaries

    • Chicago Blues Clubs

    • History

    • Music

  • About & Membership Pages: Clear calls-to-action and storytelling

  • Board Member Profiles: Introduces the team behind the organization

  • Support Us Section: Integrated donation page and fundraising tools

  • Programs Section: Detailed community and educational initiatives

  • Blog: Featuring original articles and content written to boost engagement and SEO

  • Responsive Design: Optimized across all devices

Every section was built with the intention of keeping blues history accessible, visible, and emotionally impactful—while providing a professional, forward-thinking structure for the organization to grow. 

Results & Reflection

This site evolved into far more than a digital brochure. It became a historical hub and modern advocacy tool, bridging generations of music lovers and preserving one of Chicago’s most iconic cultural contributions.

I’m incredibly proud of how the project expanded. The client received more than they asked for, and the blues community gained a digital home worthy of its heritage.

Visit Chicago Blues Society

Visit Chicago Blues Society

Visit Chicago Blues

A smaller leaner non-profit than Chicago Blues Society.

Visit Chicago Blues

Need a non-profit or historical archive website?

I create immersive, meaningful websites that bring stories, legacies, and missions to life. Let’s make your next chapter unforgettable.

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