JFK 50th Website
All images © ESI Design
An interactive and media-rich website that celebrates the 50th anniversary of the presidency of John F. Kennedy and invites the next generation to discover and carry on his legacy.
ESI Design collaborated with the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum to redesign their website and create an interactive microsite celebrating the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of John F. Kennedy. The site pays tribute to the JFK administration, but more importantly, celebrates its vision and relevance in today’s world. The dynamic design and the rich mix of historical media with fresh, current perspectives transforms history into something contemporary and invites visitors to explore and get involved in events, organizations and initiatives spotlighted throughout the site.
JFK50.org was created to invite young visitors to explore the legacy of JFK through the core themes of public service, science and innovation, civil rights, domestic affairs, foreign policy and diplomacy, the arts and the environment. Each section contains a multitude of archival audio and video clips of the President’s televised addresses, radio speeches, photos and films.
The Legacy Gallery presents a tapestry of new video interviews with celebrities, luminaries and future leaders discussing their efforts to continue JFK’s legacy in their respective fields. Wynton Marsalis talks about how jazz teaches democracy, Stephen Colbert discusses how humor can help bring the two political parties together, and graduate student Desiree Bayonet talks about her experience serving in the Peace Corps in Senegal.
In the History Now section, an interactive timeline traces key events in the style of a graphic novel. The lighthearted format breathes new life into the often dry and colorless traditional historical timelines. Events such as JFK’s inauguration, the Bay of Pigs Invasion and the Vienna Summit are augmented with archival audio, video and photographs.
The Downloads and Resources area of the site provides visitors with access to actual archival documents and other media from the Kennedy Library. There are curriculum guides, a series of related web resources and instructions for visitor to create their own exhibit and share it in a community gallery.
Visit www.jfk50.org