This companion to the National Portrait Gallery’s physical exhibition of the same name (that ended in February) has an audience that ranges from passive students to enthusiastic history buffs.

It engages and educates visitors about the Cold War era and the unique situation during which the powers and influence of the presidency immeasurably increased. Design elements provoke interest and promote the educational experience and the use of video, imagery and interactive decision-making highlight how the presidents shaped or reacted to events during this era.

It also challenges people to become participants: Visitors can select a president and listen to Brian Williams of NBC’s Nightly News as he describes the Cold War atmosphere in America during that particular president's time in office; and in "Critical Presidential Decisions” they can stand in any of the presidents’ shoes and decide what they may have done if forced to react to a particular global crisis.  

• Fourteen educational videos of the presidents and their cold war policies; 9 critical decision scenario polls with accompanying audio; 44 Cold War images.  

• Rather than using a traditional timeline metaphor, the site was organized by president to emphasize the focus of the content.

• Site development time spanned one year.