Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park

03/22/2025

03/22/2025

Today is National Rosie the Riveter Day!

We honor the incredible women who stepped into factories, shipyards, and offices during World War II, forever transforming the American workforce. From riveting airplanes to welding ships, Rosies showed the world what strength, skill, and determination look like.

Whether you’re a “Rosie” yourself, a family member, or someone inspired by their legacy, today is a day to celebrate the courage and contributions of these trailblazing women.

🔧💪 Today is National Rosie the Riveter Day! 💪🔧

Join us as we celebrate the incredible workers of WWII who broke barriers, stepped up when the country needed them, and changed history. We’re honoring their legacy today at Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park—come be a part of the celebration!

📍 Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park 25th Anniversary - Come Meet Rosies and elected officials!
🎉 Sign the declaration & have a piece of cake

Wear your polka dots, bring your Rosie spirit, and tag us in your photos! 📸✨

Let’s keep Rosie’s story alive for generations to come! ❤️

03/18/2025

Join us for a special ranger-led tour highlighting one of the most innovative child care programs of the World War II era—Kaiser’s Child Development Center Program. Discover how these groundbreaking centers supported working mothers on the home front and helped shape the future of early childhood education in the United States.

The tour begins Monday, March 24 at 2 PM.
Meet outside at 1014 Florida Avenue in Richmond.

03/18/2025

Join USS Red Oak for another Hitchcock film on Thursday, March 20th at 6:30 pm.
Saboteur (1942) with Robert Cummings and Priscilla Lane.
Thursday, 20 March, 6:30 PM
Red Oak Victory, 1337 Canal Boulevard, Berth 5, Richmond

Words from Historian Jim Davis:

Saboteur fits into a kind of sub-genre that Hitchcock invented for himself and his audiences: the fugitive narrative, the innocent man wrongly accused who must go on a hazardous journey to expose the truth about who really carried out the crime. The fugitive is not only innocent, but he is an amateur, and he must hustle, innovate, and outwit suave and intelligent villains who will do everything to stop or even kill him. It is almost as though Hitchcock is firing on all cylinders when he makes these films, for the fugitive sub-genre inspired such memorable movies as The 39 Steps (1935), Saboteur (1940), and North by Northwest (1959).

03/06/2025

How Did Women’s History Month Begin?

Women’s History Month traces its roots back to 1980, when a group of historians and activists worked to establish a national celebration recognizing the contributions of women throughout history. The idea grew from Women’s History Week, first organized in 1978 in Santa Rosa, California. In 1987, Congress officially designated March as Women’s History Month, expanding the celebration nationwide.

This month is a time to honor the achievements, resilience, and impact of women in every field—including the millions who shaped history on the WWII home front. At Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park, we share the stories of the women who stepped into new roles during the war, proving their skill, determination, and strength.

Follow the photo gallery link below this paragraph, to see posters of "Rosies", which were created by the Rosie The Riveter Trust, our non-profit partner.

https://www.nps.gov/media/photo/gallery.htm?pg=536493&id=8E0DBDE1-0889-4942-A320-CAE071F2B5B7

Photos: The two attached posters are of Margaret Archie and Priscilla Elder. Learn more about them at the above link.

Join us in celebrating Women’s History Month by learning about these incredible women and their lasting contributions! www.nps.gov/rori

02/12/2025

Late opening on Thursday, February the 13th.

Please note: Due to an all-staff meeting the park will open late on Thursday, February 13. We plan to be open by 1 PM. We apologize for any inconvenience.

02/06/2025

Manufacturing Pride Through Perseverance: A Look at the History of the Ford Assembly Plant and its Enduring Effects on the People of Richmond

Join us for a Ranger-Led Tour
Saturday, February 15, 2025
10:30 AM (for one hour)
Meet at the Rosie the Riveter Visitor Center
www.nps.gov/rori

The Ford Assembly Plant in Richmond was more than just a factory—it was a lifeline. Workers here didn’t just build cars; they built a future. During World War II, they shifted gears to support the war effort, turning the plant into a powerhouse of production. But the impact didn’t stop when the last vehicle rolled off the line. The plant shaped Richmond’s workforce, economy, and identity in ways that still matter today. Walk through this history with a ranger and see how industry, war, and resilience came together to leave a lasting mark on the city and its people.

https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=2B704703-BE20-A3BA-B386D13C284C25A8

01/24/2025

Ice, Ice Bison⁣⁣…

Alright, stop! Ungulate and listen. The bison’s back with a brand new admission.

It’s cold.

But that’s okay. It’s not under pressure to stay warm. In fact, bison have a high cold tolerance. In fact, when the wind blows their coarse fur down against their body, it creates an impenetrable layer of warmth. The coat of a bison is so thick and insulates the bison's body so well that snow landing on the bison will not melt from the heat of the bison’s body. ⁣

Learn more about America's largest land mammal at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/bison/index.htm

Image: An icy bison on the road in Hayden Valley, Yellowstone. NPS/Falgoust

01/24/2025

“Winter may be beautiful, but bed is much better. “ -Toad (Frog and Toad)

In winter, toads may burrow into the ground, often 1–3 feet deep, to insulate themselves from the cold. They may use existing mammal burrows, ant mounds, or a tasteful winter retreat listed on Toad Abode, the short-term accommodation market for amphibians on the go. Hot tub? Better jump on that one. Once settled in, they’ll enter a state of torpor, where their metabolism, heart rate, and breathing rate slow down to conserve energy. Less activity means less mess to clean upon departure. Did you see that cleaning fee?

Image: Closeup of a Fowler toad reading rental reviews. NPS/Cook

01/23/2025

01/23/2025

Mother Alice Hilliard was born on March 24th, 1921, in Lewisville AR to Johnny and Emma Ford where she grew up on her grandfather Jack Ford's plantation on hurricane hill, Alice was the youngest of ten siblings and attended Wooden City School in Lewisville AR, she accepted Christ at an early age at The Union Hill Baptist Church under the leadership of JH Wyatt.

Mother Alice relocated to Richmond California in 1942 in search of a better life. She landed a position at the Kaiser Shipyard During WWII, where she took on jobs typically done by men while they served in the Military, because of her dedication and hard work, she was given the Special Title of “Rosie The Riveter” and even had the pleasure of being interviewed and featured in the book “Staging Migrations Toward An American West” Written by: Marta Effinger-Crichlow, Published Oct. 7, 2014. Her endeavors didn’t stop there. She went on to work at the Dole Cannery and Aebi Nursery where she finally retired.

Mother Alice had a great passion for gardening, (always attending to her rose bushes), Loved Traveling with her Family, Sewing and was a great cook.

Upon moving to Richmond CA mother Alice joined Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church Led by Nathaniel Phanor, she was a dedicated member for over 70 years serving in many auxiliaries including the Women’s Mission Union, Baptist Training Union and the Chair of The Kitchen Committee until her illness. She loved her Church Family.

Alice is survived by seven sisters and two brothers who preceded her in death, a host of nieces nephews cousins and friends, despite not having any children of her own she played a significant role in helping raise her sister Floria’s eleven children, and her brother's two children Ellis Ford and Lola Lee. In addition, her Great Nephew and Niece, Johnathan and Elyce Jones with whom she baby sat and held a special bond.

Thank you for your service, Alice. May you rest in peace.

01/21/2025

Three hours later…⁣
⁣
Your heart is saying “I could hike up these boulders for hours!” (You know, the ones pioneers used to ride for miles?) However, your feet are saying, “You wore flip flops…no.”

Planning is an important step in being prepared and ready for your park adventure. Before heading out, check your map, ask a ranger, or visit the park website or the NPs app for news, updates, and recommendations.

Check out the handy trip planning guide for more tips at: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/healthandsafety/trip-planning-guide.htm

Image: Screenshot with text, “There’s nothing wrong with following your heart, but it never hurts to check the map too.”

01/20/2025

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a tireless advocate for racial equality, working classes, and the oppressed around the world. Commonly called Martin Luther King, Jr. Day or MLK Day, the third Monday of January is a federal holiday to honor his life and legacy. Places where he made history and of the greater Civil Rights Movement he influenced are preserved in many national parks and in local communities around the country.

Today is also a day of service when thousands of volunteers participate in service projects across the country, including at national parks. Learn more at: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/mlk-day.htm

Image: The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, part of National Mall and Memorial Parks in Washington D.C.

01/20/2025

After every presidential election, the nation comes together to witness the newly-elected president and vice president take the Presidential Oath of Office in the heart of the nation's capital. The National Mall and Memorial Parks, Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Site, and The White House and President's Park serve as a backdrop for Inauguration Day.

Explore stories of past inaugurations and presidential sites preserved by the National Park Service at: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/inauguration

Image: Looking up at the South portico of the White House.

01/19/2025

Does anyone know what the traditional gift for a 250th anniversary is? Asking for a friend…

Moisturizer? Actually, for or a Semiquincentennial (a fun way to say 250th anniversary), might we recommend a nice grant?

The NPS’s Semiquincentennial Grant Program honors the 250th anniversary of the United States by providing funding to restore and preserve sites and structures on the National Register of Historic Places that led to the founding of the nation. Applications are open for this round of Semiquincentennial Grant funding and are due on March 18, 2025.

Funding for the Semiquincentennial Grant Program comes from the Historic Preservation Fund, which sources revenue from offshore oil and gas leases, not tax dollars. Learn more about the Semiquincentennial Grant Program and other funding opportunities from the NPS at go.nps.gov/grants

Image: The San Xavier del Bac Mission in Arizona, a National Historic Landmark, was founded in 1700.

Heritage & Historic Preservation - NPS

01/17/2025

Is reading cursive your superpower?

Nah? Okay, have a good one.

Oh, you’re still here. Well, we’ve got a project for you! The National Park Service and US National Archives are collaborating on a special project to transcribe the handwritten pension records of more than 80,000 of America’s first veterans and their widows. Not only could you be the first person in 200 years to learn their stories, but your efforts will make a permanent contribution to the nation’s historical record just in time for the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.

Learn how to register and start transcribing at: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/americanrevolution/revolutionary-war-pension-project.htm

P.S. You do not need to be an expert at reading cursive. It may help, but not everything is in cursive. Just saying.

Image: Graphic with a historical sketch of a soldier of the American Revolution, with the text, "Reading cursive is a superpower."

01/17/2025

On January 20, join parks across the country in honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through special programs and a day of service. Many parks traditionally host a variety of service projects that people can sign up for as volunteers. The day is also the first fee-free day of 2025.

Learn more at: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/mlk-day.htm

Image: The two-story house at 501 Auburn Avenue in Atlanta, Georgia is where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born, now part of Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park.

01/17/2025

“Be careful. That ice is slippery” - Everyone after you slip on ice.

Tis the season for trips, falls, and sliding down icy trails.

❄️ Remember to check park websites or ask a ranger upon arrival about trail conditions and any risks.

❄️ If on a trail, wear traction devices for your shoes to avoid those pesky slips, trips, and falls.

❄️ Give others room—if you slip, you could slide into someone else or visa-versa.

❄️ Bring people down by insulting their beanie choice, not by grabbing the back of their pants in a last-ditch effort to save yourself.

❄️ Slip like everyone’s watching…because they are.

For more winter tips, slide on over to: https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/idkt_winter.htm

Image: Graphic with text, “Be careful. That ice is slippery” - Everyone after you slip on ice.”

01/15/2025

Crowning the classic National Park Service ranger uniform is the iconic, broad-brimmed “flat hat.” The hat was inspired by hats worn by Buffalo soldiers sent to protect Yosemite National Park and hats worn by Mexican Vaqueros. Both of these styles of hat had four small dents, or the “Montana Peak”, on the top. The flat hat was adopted into official uniform regulations in 1920, only four years after the establishment of the National Park Service, making it one of the oldest and most iconic symbols of the National Park Service.

Image: A close-up of a classic park ranger flat hat bathed in sunset light, resting on a rocky surface near the Atlantic Ocean at Acadia National Park.

01/14/2025

Ship’s Bread

Soldiers and sailors of the 18th century, both British and American, were all too familiar with this staple of life. Also called “hard bread” or “sea bread,” its names describe its basic traits. These roughly 2”-3” discs of bread, roughly ½” thick, were easily packed in barrels for long-distance travel. Baked until hard and having almost no moisture, it resisted mold growth.

Of course, being so dry and hard, it was inedible by itself. The soldier or sailor issued ship’s bread had to break it and soak it in whatever soup or stew was at hand.

Better than nothing, it kept body and soul together for countless soldiers and sailors. When more was available, the enlisted man took advantage! Private Joseph Plumb Martin, in his reprinted diary, “A Narrative of the American Revolution,” recounts how, “…we were marched off for the ferry. At the lower end of the street were placed several casks of sea-bread…nearly hard enough for musket flints; the casks were [open] and each man was allowed to take as many as he could, as he marched by. As my good luck would have it, there was a momentary halt made; I improved the opportunity thus offered to me…to get as many of the biscuit as I possibly could….”

This recipe version, with a few formatting edits, is from Beth Gilgun’s book, “Tidings from the 18th Century.” It has served our staff well for living history events!

2 cups flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 tsp shortening or lard
½ cup water

• Mix flour and salt.
• Work in shortening until small crumbles form.
• Mix in roughly ½ cup water until a stiff dough forms.
• Remove from bowl, place on lightly floured surface.
• Beat dough with a mallet until it is about ½” thick.
• Fold dough over itself into 6 layers.
• Beat it thin again and re-fold and beat it about 5 or 6 times more.
• Before cutting into pieces, beat the dough to about ½” thick.
• Cut into squares about 2 inches across, and bake for 30 minutes at about 325ᵒ F.
• Store tightly covered, but it may be taken on scouts in a fabric bag.




(Image: Saratoga NHP)

01/14/2025

01/13/2025

Friend: “You already had a pinecone.”
Me: But what about second pinecone?

Okay, pine. Do deer eat pinecones? Deer are known to consume cones and pine needles, especially when there is a scarcity of other food sources during the winter. Is it their favorite? Meh. Deer get less picky when they are hungry (don’t we all), and evergreen trees and plants, like pine, offer much-needed calories and nutrients during colder weather. After a while, it just becomes hobbit. Habit. We meant habit.

Image: Fro-doe, is that you? Two Mule Deer checking out the pinecone situation on a snowy day at Rocky Mountain National Park. NPS/Schonlau

01/10/2025

Rosie 25th Anniversary Lecture Series

🗓️ Date: January 14th
⏰ Time: 12:00 PM
📍 Location: Rosie the Riveter Visitor Education Center
1414 Harbour Way South, Suite 3000, Richmond, CA 94804

Topic: "Japanese American Internment: Strengths, Resilience, and Social Justice of Current and Succeeding Generations"

Join Professor Matthew Mock as he explores the World War II Japanese American internment, its profound impacts on individuals, families, and communities, and the enduring strength and resilience of those who lived through it. Learn how this pivotal moment in history continues to shape future generations and the ongoing pursuit of social justice.

📌 Free and open to the public – no reservations needed!

👉 More Information: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=5A29DE32-09B0-92B9-F254AFFA8E82F60A

📞 Call us at 510-232-5050

We look forward to seeing you there!

01/10/2025

Diving into the weekend like...

With its exceptional hearing, the red fox will dive into the snow to surprise potential prey. Do they always catch something? Nope. Do they get up and try again? Ugh, I don’t know. It’s been three jumps already. Wait, yes! Yes they do! (Especially if they’re hungry.)

Learn more about red foxes at https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/nature/red-fox.htm


Image: A fox lands face first deep in snowy Hayden Valley Yellowstone National Park. NPS/Neal Herbert

01/09/2025

On National Law Enforcement Officer Appreciation Day, we honor the dedication of the 113 officers from the U.S. Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service and Office of Law Enforcement and Security who answered the call in 2024 in response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton as part of Emergency Support Function-13.

These officers worked alongside partners from across the nation to provide critical security and conduct lifesaving search and rescue operations in devastated communities across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee. Their unwavering commitment exemplifies the best of public service.

All of Interior’s law enforcement officers are vital to protecting people, wildlife and natural resources across America’s public lands and Tribal communities. Today and every day, we are profoundly grateful for their service, dedication, professionalism and sacrifice!

01/09/2025

On this National Day of Mourning, we remember former President Jimmy Carter. The National Park System evolved during Jimmy Carter's presidency to preserve many special places Americans enjoy today.

Among his many awards and accomplishments, President Carter was also an honorary National Park Service park ranger, recognized for his service, leadership, and legacy of conservation.

Learn more about the park areas established during his presidency at: https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/shaping-nps-carter-presidency.htm

President Carter will be buried in his family plot, located at the Carter home, now part of Jimmy Carter National Historical Park in Plains, Georgia. Updates and a full schedule of events celebrating the life of President Carter are posted at www.nps.gov/jica

Image: Former President Jimmy Carter speaks at the Plains High School auditorium after being named an honorary national park ranger in 2016.

01/09/2025

01/05/2025

Jeanne Gibson, one of the last surviving Rosie the Riveters, shares how World War II led to an emancipation of women in the U.S.

12/06/2024

Rallying the Home Front: War Bonds and Community Effort

In 1944, Dolores Strall Kowal sold war bonds to defense workers in Jersey City, New Jersey. Sitting behind a table covered in bond forms and promotional materials, she played an essential role in encouraging workers to invest in the war effort. The banner on her table reads, “Bonds or Bunds—You Take Your Choice!” highlighting the importance of purchasing bonds to support the fight overseas.

This photograph is part of the collection at Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park, which preserves stories of the home front during World War II. Women like Dolores were key to mobilizing communities and helping raise funds to supply troops with the equipment they needed to fight.

Learn more about the WWII home front and its lasting impact: www.nps.gov/rori

Photo - RORI 925

12/03/2024

Late Opening on December 4th

Please note that due to an all-staff meeting, the park will open at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4th. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

11/20/2024

Faces of the Home Front: John Chamberlin at Bethlehem Steel

This badge belonged to John Chamberlin, an employee of the Bethlehem Steel Company at the San Francisco Yard during WWII. Though we don't have much information about John himself, this badge represents the vital role that thousands of workers, like him, played in supporting the war effort. Shipyards like Bethlehem Steel were essential hubs of activity, building and repairing ships that kept supply lines running and supported military operations across the globe.

Every badge tells a story of dedication and hard work, and John Chamberlin's is a reminder of the many individuals who contributed to this collective effort. The faces behind these badges—men and women of diverse backgrounds—were the backbone of America’s industrial might during the war.

Photo Description: The photo shows an identification badge from the Bethlehem Steel Company’s San Francisco Yard during WWII. The badge is circular, with a metallic border surrounding a red center. At the top, the words "Bethlehem Steel Co." are engraved, with "San Francisco Yard" inscribed at the bottom, framing the badge. In the center, there’s a black-and-white photo of John Chamberlin, the badge holder. Behind his photo is a height chart, indicating the security measures taken to identify workers clearly. The badge also displays a unique identifier—“Y 168”—to further distinguish John within the workforce. This type of badge was an essential part of shipyard security, ensuring that only authorized workers accessed the facilities where ships were built and repaired during the war.

11/19/2024

11/13/2024

Launching the S.S. Expounder:

The S.S. Expounder, built at Moore Dry Dock in Oakland, California, is captured here at its launch in 1944. Sponsored by Mrs. Annabelle Jones Rose of Berkeley, this commemorative photo shows the ship ready to join the WWII effort. The shipyard in Oakland was a hub of activity during the war, contributing significantly to the maritime fleet. Donated by John Aronovici, this image highlights the vital role that the Bay Area played in supporting the war effort through shipbuilding and innovation.

Photo Description: The photo shows the S.S. Expounder at the Moore Dry Dock Company in Oakland, California, during its launch on August 30, 1944. The massive ship dominates the frame, sitting proudly on the slipway with its bow facing the camera. The ship’s hull is painted with distinctive artwork, featuring eyes and eyebrows, giving it a striking and almost human-like appearance. Above the ship, the American flag flies, symbolizing the patriotic spirit of the wartime efforts. The shipyard structure surrounds the vessel, highlighting the industrial setting where such ships were built rapidly and efficiently during WWII. This image captures the moment just before the ship is released into the water, a significant and celebrated event marking the ship’s readiness to join the war effort.

11/11/2024

Veterans Day

Today, we pause to honor the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of all veterans who have served our country. On this Veterans Day, we express our profound gratitude for everyone who has defended our freedoms and protected our nation. Your bravery and commitment inspire us every day, and we are forever thankful for your service.

To all veterans past and present, thank you for your unwavering dedication and the sacrifices you have made. We stand in admiration and respect for all you have done.

11/06/2024

Bennice and Marjorie Take a Break at Brown Shipbuilding

Bennice Vick Russell and her sister-in-law, Marjorie Vick, were among the many women who contributed to the WWII Home Front efforts nationwide. This photo, taken in 1944 at Brown Shipbuilding Co. in Houston, TX, captures a moment of camaraderie as they share a soda during a well-deserved break. These women, known as "Rosies," stepped into essential roles, building ships and supporting the war effort. Their hard work and resilience were vital in shaping the nation’s history.

Photo description: The photo shows two women taking a break at the Brown Shipbuilding Co. in Houston, Texas, in 1944. Both women are wearing work overalls, protective headscarves, and goggles resting on their heads. They are smiling warmly as they share a soda, showcasing a moment of camaraderie amidst their hard work during the war effort. The image captures the spirit and resilience of women who took on industrial roles to support the WWII home front.

10/30/2024

Former Richmond Mayor Tom Butt received the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s highest recognition this week for his decades of work in Richmond to preserve historic sites in a way […]