I remember in 2001 it was red. Can't remember too much before then. I'm sure someone else can, though.

And then they re-did it to the existing design in time for the Centennial in 2004. They haven't changed it since.

Important news gets added to the site frequently -- job openings, position appointments, chapter colonization/reorganization/closing, etc. I like to think the Members Only section gets the most updates.