People
Learn more about the people that are an important part of the Home Front Story. Explore the Park!
The Richmond Home Front provides a number of historic places to drive by, view or visit. Click here for a list of points of interest. Photos and Multimedia
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Learn About the Park, the People, and the History
Discover the fascinating stories of the American WWII Home Front, where ordinary people did extraordinary things to support the war effort. From workers in the defense industry to those on the home front, learn about the daily lives, social changes, and cultural shifts that shaped this pivotal period in American history. Explore the places that played a significant role in this era, including those associated with Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front NHP. Our museum and archives collection hold a treasure trove of artifacts and records. Learn how to research these collections and even donate your own artifacts and archives to help us preserve this important piece of history. The World War II Home Front HistoryOn the morning of December 7, 1941, military forces of the Empire of Japan attacked the United States Naval Fleet and ground bases at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. On December 8, 1941, one day after the "Day of Infamy," the United States declared war against the Empire of Japan and on December 11, 1941, Japan's ally, Germany, declared war on the United States. Ten million Americans, mostly young working age men, would serve in the military during WWII, out of an overall United States population of 113 million. While an unprecedented number of young men would serve in World War II, the country would drastically increase its war production on the Home Front, serving not only the needs of the armed forces of the United States but her allies as well - what President Franklin Roosevelt called "The Arsenal of Democracy." The combination of so many serving in the military, during a period of necessary and drastic increases in production, led to unprecedented social changes on the American Home Front. Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park was established in Richmond, California in the year 2000, to tell this national story. The Kaiser Shipyards in Richmond produced 747 ships during World War II, the most productive shipyards in history.In addition, Richmond had a total of 55 war industries.Richmond also has a large number of intact historical building from the period and the Richmond Museum Association, one of the parks cooperative partners, operates the SS Red Oak Victory, the last remaining Victory Ship built in the Richmond Shipyards.
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Last updated: May 30, 2024