world history institute
In 1976, Dr. Marshall Foster and his wife Trish founded the World History Institute (formally the Mayflower Institute), a non-profit, distinctly Christian history-focused educational foundation committed to sharing the Biblical principles of liberty. Today, Dr. Foster’s legacy continues through those he taught and loved as the World History Institute seeks to preserve the good that we inherited from Western Civilization, in order that what was True, Good and Beautiful from the past might be instilled in believers today so that God’s people might be inspired to cultivate free, flourishing societies. Leadership of the institute transitioned to his daughter, Dana Vrecheck, who sought a new visual brand identity to honor the past and guide the future, broadening the institute's reach. The goal was to create a brand that immerses audiences in the beauty of history, tradition, and scholarship, and promotes a generational focus on learning.
creative process
“Thus says the LORD: ‘Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.”’ Jeremiah 6:16. This verse was chosen as a missional anchor for the brand, emphasizing the importance of a history centered around God's Word and way. It directs people to stand and look, to ask, and to walk, promising rest for their souls. To encapsulate the mission of the World History Institute, I crafted the tagline: Inherit • Instill • Inspire. The creative process involved in-depth research into Medieval art and architecture, along with historical and Biblical studies, to develop a visual library of icons representing the institute's values and mission. The goal was to create a flexible brand system that could evolve with the institute. Each icon was designed to represent a distinct branch of the institute’s work.
the identity
The resulting brand identity evokes a historical, medieval aesthetic with a Scottish influence. Elements such as the thistle, architecture, and stones were incorporated to honor the Reformation's impact on Western Civilization and Dr. Foster's love of Scotland. The hand-drawn logo mark features a collection of items, each symbolizing a significant steppingstone in Western Civilization. The illustrations draw inspiration from medieval art and heraldry, reinforcing the desired brand ethos. The Medieval period was important since it was a time when Christianity impacted society in such fundamental ways that much of Western Civilization came to be known as Christendom. The World History Institute seeks to preserve the good that we have inherited from this time period as well as from the faithful men and women who came afterwards.
deliverables
Brand Identity
Stationery
Unit Study Template
Newsletter Template
Social Media Templates
Brochure
photography
Mary Margaret Smith, photography
Kathleen Varner, styling