Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial

Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission

A Presidential Podcast

Listening to the podcast at the memorial site.

Project Overview

The Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission worked with Bluecadet to produce a 6-episode podcast series about President Eisenhower and his memorial on the National Mall. The series can be enjoyed during a visit to the memorial, but unlike a traditional audio guide, the podcast is not dependent on a physical location. It is designed to be listened to before, during, after, or even completely independent of a visit to the memorial.

Wherever you are, get to know America’s 34th President, from his humble Kansas beginnings, through his victories in World War II, all the way to the White House, where he shaped a vision for America that we still pursue today.

Have a listen

Project Videos and Images

Map of the Eisenhower Memorial grounds.

The Challenge

Bluecadet was tasked with designing an experience that would seamlessly integrate with the Memorial to provide a more in-depth examination of the president’s life. Designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, the Memorial was built with minimal interpretive text, and the Commission wanted to maintain that vision.

 

After exploring options like an app or a mobile-first website, we proposed the concept of podcast-as-audio-guide. The non-traditional format adds historical context to the memorial, is easy for visitors to access, and broadens the experience beyond a single on-site visit.

Exploring the podcast on Spotify

We designed custom album art for each episode of the series.

Producing the Series

With millions of visitors anticipated annually, we made sure that every detail was just right. We scripted each episode and oversaw the recording process which took place with producers, engineers, and talent collaborating remotely across five locations. To tell the story of President Eisenhower’s life and career, we partnered with historians and sourced archival footage. For insights into the memorial itself, we interviewed Frank Ghery about his process and vision. As a final touch, we packaged the series with custom branding for each track.

Bluecadet has launched a brilliant audio experience worthy of a 21st-century presidential memorial.

Victoria Tigwell, Deputy Executive Director, Eisenhower Memorial Commission