Washington on the Brazos State Park Association Launches New Website
Washington, Texas (PRWEB) June 29, 2015 -- The Washington on the Brazos State Park Association has launched a new user-friendly website for Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site at http://www.wheretexasbecametexas.org. The website uses engaging features in an easy-to-navigate format that makes it a great reference tool for visitors planning a trip to any of the complex’s attractions, amenities and events: Star of the Republic Museum; Independence Hall; Barrington Living History Farm; Visitor Center; Washington Emporium Gift Shop; Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site; Six Flags Over Texas Monument; or the park’s lush 293 acres.
“Washington on the Brazos was truly at the epicenter of the events that led ultimately to Texas, as we know it today. We want all visitors to understand the heroism of the 59 men that signed the Texas Declaration from Mexico in 1836—a brave act that created the nation of Texas and set us apart forever from other states in the union,” says Jim Kolkhorst, President, Washington on the Brazos State Park Association. “Last year, the Washington on the Brazos State Park Association undertook an aggressive new branding strategy labeling Washington rightly as ‘Where Texas Became Texas.’ Until now, the missing piece of our story was a new website, so we are thrilled it is finished. We hope it will attract thousands of new visitors to this incredible historic site that every Texan—every visitor—every historian—should visit.”
“The new Washington on the Brazos website offers a clean, intuitive experience to guests looking to visit, learn about upcoming events, or support the park,” says Nick Alter, CEO of Alter Endeavers, the team that led the website’s development. “One of the things we are most excited about is how easy it is for folks to become a member of the park association. We are proud and excited to be able to help make an important piece of Texas history more available and accessible to the general public.”
New features of the extensive website include a shopping cart; copies of historic documents and maps; membership forms; online tour reservations; an extensive photo gallery; searchable databases; and media releases.
“This website not only tells its guests about Washington on the Brazos and why it is central to the Texas experience, but it acts as a visitors bureau that outlines information about places to stay and dine, events and festivals in the area,” Kolkhorst adds.“We hope visitors to WOB—whether it be physically or online--will consider joining our Park Association to support our Texas heritage for generations to come.”
The Washington on the Brazos State Park Association—the oldest support group for any Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) park—hired San Antonio-based Sellmark to assemble a team of research, re-branding, special events, public relations, social media and website specialists, including Shelton Interactive, who managed the creation of the new website and the design team of Dyal and Partners.
Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site has many onsite amenities open daily, as well as an incredible schedule of events and programs. On the grounds of this TPWD-run state park is the Star of the Republic Museum (collections honoring the history, cultures, diversity and values of early Texans; administered by Blinn College); Independence Hall (the site in 1836 where the representatives met to write the declaration of independence); and Barrington Living History Farm (where interpreters dress, talk, work and farm as the earliest residents of the original farmstead did). The site’s Visitor Center features interactive exhibits which present a timeline of the Texas Revolution and highlight the historic attractions located within the park; it also houses the spacious Washington Emporium Gift Shop, which offers snacks and a wide range of Texas-themed items and keepsakes. The Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site is a wonderfully preserved example of a 19th century stagecoach inn, located nearby in Anderson, TX. The Fanthorp Inn is closed in June, July and August of this year for parking lot construction. And remember, entrance to the park grounds, Visitor Center and parking is always free.
Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site is located at 23400 Park Road 12 in Washington, Texas, off State Hwy. 105 on FM 1155 (about halfway between Brenham and Navasota, and approximately one hour northwest of Houston). More detailed information on all Washington on the Brazos events is continually updated at http://www.wheretexasbecametexas.org; the public can email office(at)wheretexasbecametexas(dot)org, call (936) 878-2214 or visit its Facebook page for more information.
About Washington on the Brazos State Park Association: The oldest support group for any TPWD park, Washington on the Brazos State Park Association was created in the 1950s as a 501(c)(3) non-profit to facilitate preservation projects, celebrations and educational programming at this historic site and its four attractions. Besides playing an integral part in the creation and subsequent expansion of the Star of the Republic Museum, it also has supplied funding for park and museum personnel; spearheaded funding for the Visitor Center and its educational displays; assisted in the reconstruction of Independence Hall; spearheaded funding for the “real-life” exhibits and programs of the Barrington Living History Farm; assisted in purchasing, relocating and restoring the home of Dr. Anson Jones; assisted in construction of Six Flags Over Texas monument; and provided research to have La Bahia Pecan Tree designated a “Famous Tree of Texas.”
Jeanne Albrecht, Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site, http://www.wheretexasbecametexas.org, +1 (210) 392-9047, [email protected]
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