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Rosie the Riveter Day
March 22 @ 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Join us as we celebrate the hard-working women in industry during World War II.
10am-5pm Riveting Pop-Up Display
See some of WWII to mid-century era tools used for field riveting large structures like bridges.
11am-3pm Meet & Greet Historical Reenactors
Interact with our historical reenactors for a taste of what life what like for a woman to join the industrial workforce in the era.
1pm FILM SCREENING: The Life & Times of Rosie the Riveter
Domestic. Shop girl. Waitress. Cook. Those were the jobs for women in the 1930’s — when they could get work. Suddenly the U.S. entry into World War II created an unprecedented demand for new workers. Notions of what was proper work for women changed overnight. Thousands of posters and billboards appeared calling on women to “Do the Job He Left Behind.” Rosie the Riveter was born — the symbol of working women during World War II.
After whirlwind training, women found themselves doing “men’s work” and they did it so well that production levels rose despite the military call-up of millions of male workers. They discovered a new sense of pride and dignity in their work. Their earnings leapt upwards. Many joined unions and found substantial new benefits from labor representation. And for the first time in history, black women gained entry into major industrial plants.
When the war was over, Rosie wanted to stay. But neither the structure of the American economy nor the dominant view of women’s place in society sustained such hopes.
The story is told by the women themselves — five former “Rosies” who movingly recall their histories working in Detroit, Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco during the war. Their testimony is interwoven with rare archival recruitment films, stills, posters, ads and music from the period which contrast their experiences with the popular legend and mythology of Rosie the Riveter.
2pm FILM SCREENING: No Time To Waste
No Time to Waste celebrates legendary 98-year-old park ranger Betty Reid Soskin‘s inspiring life, work and urgent mission to restore critical missing chapters of America’s story. The film follows her journey as an African American woman presenting her personal story from a kitchen stool in a national park theater to media interviews and international audiences who hang on every word she utters.
The documentary captures her fascinating life — from the experiences of a young Black woman in a WWII segregated union hall, through her multi-faceted career as a singer, activist, mother, legislative representative and park planner to her present public role.
At the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park, Betty illuminates the invisible histories of African Americans and other people of color. Her efforts have changed the way the National Park Service conveys this history to audiences across the U.S., challenging us all to move together toward a more perfect union.
All programs included with regular museum admission. Come dressed as Rosie for $2 off admission.
Rosie Resources
Learn how to dress like a Rosie!
Download a Rosie Coloring Page
Learn More on the Rosie the Riveter WWII Homefront National Historical Park
Check out the YouTube Channel for Rosie the Riveter National Trust