South Dakota Battleship Memorial
With an incredible history, we had the opportunity to rebrand the memorial and rebuild its website with updated photos, a crew database of 500+ sailors, and an online store—creating a powerful platform to honor the past.
We had the opportunity to partner with the Battleship South Dakota Memorial in Sioux Falls, SD, to refresh and elevate their entire digital presence. As a memorial honoring the historic World War II battleship, they welcome visitors year-round and serve as a place of remembrance for veterans, families, and history enthusiasts.
The memorial’s goals were to better showcase its history, highlight its educational role, and make it easier for supporters across the country to engage. With updated branding, an entirely rebuilt website, a new online store, and a database honoring all crew members, the memorial is now positioned to inspire and connect with future generations.
Rebranding the Memorial
Before our work together, the memorial had no consistent visual identity. We had the chance to rebrand the memorial with something memorable and impactful, creating a look and feel that truly represents its historical significance.
The new branding ties together the gravity of the ship’s story with a design that stands out and resonates with visitors online and in person.
Website Rebuild
The old site was dated and didn’t reflect the impact the sailors had on the ship or its important place in history. We rebuilt the website from the ground up with a modern structure, improved navigation, and a design that pays tribute to the memorial’s mission.
This rebuild also made it much easier for guests to find visitor information, learn about the ship’s legacy, and connect with the memorial through events and donations.
Before Main St:
After Main St:
Content + Storytelling
A key piece of the project was gathering historical material from the memorial’s historian. Many of the stories, images, and descriptions hadn’t been updated in over a decade. We incorporated these resources into the new design while also capturing updated photos of the memorial itself.
The result is a site that combines historical authenticity with modern presentation.
Crew Member Database
One of the most meaningful aspects of the project was building an online database for the ship’s 400+ listed crew members. Each sailor now has their own page, with the ability to attach interviews, family-submitted stories, or other information. This ensures their service and sacrifice are preserved and accessible.
Online Store + Fundraising
As a non-profit, the memorial relies on community support. We integrated an online store where visitors and supporters can purchase memorabilia and merchandise, with proceeds going directly back to fund operations and preservation.
This not only provides funding but also allows out-of-town supporters to remain connected to the memorial. Products and shipping is all managed by volunteers.
Looking Ahead
The Battleship South Dakota Memorial is now equipped with a consistent brand and a modern digital platform that honors its history while engaging new audiences. As attendance grows, the site will continue to evolve — adding more stories, expanding the crew database, and ensuring the legacy of the ship and its sailors lives on.
