Special event showcases stories of “Sounds of Sandusky County” before exhibit closes

Hear stories of Bob Seger, the Beach Boys and other musicians of the 1960s and ‘70s performing in the Fremont area and more during a special event on Thursday, April 23, at the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums.

J. Brennan Willis, director of music and technology at Terra State Community College, will give a presentation at 6:30 p.m. in the museum auditorium on the special exhibit he organized, “Sounds of Sandusky County.” The exhibit is on display at Hayes Presidential through Monday, May 25.

The opening event is free, but RSVPs are required and can be made to [email protected].

After the presentation, participants in the program can see the exhibit. It showcases relics, records and recording equipment from the region’s surprising 1960s music scene.

The presentation will include newly discovered jazz recordings of Toledo jazz legend Cliff Murphy; stories of the origins of local radio station WFRO and tales of Bob Seger performing in 1973 at Fremont Ross High School.   

Following the presentation, guests can see the exhibit. Curated by Willis in collaboration with Terra State’s Music Program, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary, the exhibit explores how Sandusky County has played a vital, and often unexpected, role in shaping American music.

“This is more than just a historical exhibit,” Willis said. “It’s an immersive story of how music shaped this region, and how it continues to evolve through programs like ours at Terra State.”

Highlights of the exhibit include:

• Memorabilia from legendary concerts featuring The Beach Boys, The Lettermen
  and The Kingsmen
• Vintage equipment and artifacts from Sandusky County’s earliest recording studio
• A rare 1965 performance contract for The Beach Boys, signed by Bob Brown and Carl Wilson, brother of Brian Wilson
• Original vinyl records, reel-to-reel tapes, analog soundboards and other technological milestones

The exhibit also looks to the future by spotlighting how Terra State’s Music Program continues to train and inspire tomorrow’s musicians, producers and sound engineers.

After the April 23 event, access to see the exhibit will be included with regular museum admission.

Terra State faculty, staff and students who present their Terra State I.D. will receive a discount for a Hayes Presidential Library & Museums site pass, which includes admission to the museum and Hayes Home. This discounted rate is $16 for the duration of the special exhibit.

About Terra State Community College
Terra State is a leading community college in Northwest Ohio, providing hands-on education and real-world experience in music, technology, and beyond. Terra State has a long history of service to the community and providing students with an education that is both accessible and affordable. Terra State offers 25 applied degrees and 38 certificates to students.

About Hayes Presidential Library & Museums
The Hayes Presidential Library & Museums is America’s first presidential library and the forerunner of the federal presidential library system. It is partially funded by the state of Ohio and affiliated with the Ohio History Connection. Hayes Presidential is located at Spiegel Grove on Buckland Avenue. For information, call 419-332-2081, or visit rbhayes.org. Like Hayes Presidential on Facebook and follow on Instagram at rbhayespres and on Bluesky at rbhayespres.bsky.social.