Eisenhower Years

The Eisenhower Years was a 13-part radio documentary series that chronicled the life and presidency of Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States. Produced by Kansas State University in 1969-1970, the series was aired over the K-State Radio Network, the National Educational Radio Network (the forerunner of National Public Radio), and the Voice of America.

The series provided a comprehensive look at Eisenhower’s remarkable life, from his early days growing up in Kansas to his rise through the military ranks during World War II, where he served as the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, to his two terms as president from 1953 to 1961.

The Eisenhower Years delved into the key events and decisions that shaped Eisenhower’s presidency, including the Korean War, the Cold War, the space race, the civil rights movement, and the building of the Interstate Highway System.

The Stars

While The Eisenhower Years did not feature any regular stars, it did include interviews and commentary from a number of notable figures who were closely associated with Eisenhower, including his longtime friend and fellow general, Omar Bradley, and his personal aide, Harry Butcher.

The series also featured the voice of Eisenhower himself, with excerpts from his speeches and public addresses woven throughout the episodes.

Key Dates

• The Eisenhower Years series was produced in 1969-1970, nearly a decade after Eisenhower’s presidency had ended.
• The series debuted in 1971 and was broadcast over the course of several weeks.

Other Information

The Eisenhower Years was produced with the support of a grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, reflecting the growing interest in and appreciation for public radio programming in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The series was well-received and praised for its comprehensive and balanced portrayal of Eisenhower’s life and legacy.

The Eisenhower Years was not the only media project to explore Eisenhower’s life and presidency. In 1979, the miniseries Ike starring Robert Duvall as Eisenhower and Lee Remick as his driver and rumored mistress, Kay Summersby, was released, providing a more dramatized and personal look at Eisenhower’s wartime experiences and personal relationships.

Overall, The Eisenhower Years stands as an important and influential contribution to the historical record, offering listeners a detailed and insightful look at one of the most consequential figures in 20th century American politics.