Sandusky County
Visitors Bureau
A Strategic Thematic Overhaul for the America 250 Commemoration.
Services Offered
Strategy | Design | Print Materials
Challenge
As the United States approaches its semiquincentennial, the Sandusky County Visitors Bureau needed a flagship community guide that transcended simple listings. The goal was to weave a cohesive narrative around the America 250 celebration, integrating the county’s deep historical roots with the State of Ohio’s broader “Tales & Trails” initiative. They required a partner who could translate complex historical themes into an engaging, visual journey for modern travelers.
Solution
We developed a thematic framework that positioned Sandusky County as a vital stop on the national map of American history. By aligning content with the Ohio Tales & Trails categories, we created a structured yet discovery-led experience. The layout was reimagined to highlight everything from Revolutionary-era significance to mid-century milestones, ensuring the guide felt like a commemorative keepsake rather than just a directory.
Client Goals
1. Celebrate America 250: Create a cohesive visual and editorial theme that honors the national 250th anniversary through a local lens.
2. Statewide Integration: Align local attractions with the Ohio Tales & Trails categories to leverage state-level tourism momentum.
3. Historical Depth: Showcase the county’s unique “historical significance” while maintaining a modern, navigable aesthetic for all age groups.
Mapping the Narrative: Ohio 250 Trails
To fully embrace the “Tales & Trails” objective, we moved beyond a single feature page and instead integrated multiple spreads throughout the entire guide that highlight the Ohio 250 trails. By identifying and categorizing local assets, from the vibrant stops on the Ohio Mural Trail to nature and heritage paths, we created a recurring visual motif that encourages visitors to explore the county through the lens of state-sanctioned adventure. This approach ensures that no matter where a reader opens the guide, they are connected to a larger, statewide story of discovery.
Legacy of Leadership
A key component of the America 250 theme was honoring the individuals and landmarks that shaped the American narrative. Throughout the guide, we strategically highlighted unique historical stories and sites that define Sandusky County’s contribution to the nation. By weaving together the presidential legacy of Rutherford B. Hayes, the Civil War heroism of General James B. McPherson, and the modern frontier of space exploration represented by Astronaut Tom Henricks, these features turn the guide into a living history book. By emphasizing these specific sites and figures, we provided visitors with a deeper sense of place and a compelling reason to visit the hallowed grounds where national history was made.
“The McConnell Marketing team came in with a can-do attitude and worked to understand our needs and what we were looking for with our visitor guide. When issues or concerns arose, they were corrected in a timely manner, which my team and I appreciated.”
Peggy Courtney | Executive Director | Sandusky County Visitors Bureau
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