Historic "Oil House" - Rosie the Riveter Visitor Center

Rosie the Riveter Visitor Education Center

NPS Photo, Luther Bailey

Quick Facts

Location:

1414 Harbour Way South, Suite 3000, in Richmond, California.

Significance:

WWII Home Front History

Designation:

National Register of Historic Places

Amenities

16 listed

Accessible Sites, Audio Description, Bicycle - Rack, Bus/Shuttle Stop, Elevator, Information, Information - Maps Available, Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Parking - Auto, Public Transit, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible, Restroom - Family, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Theater/Auditorium

Rosie the Riveter Visitor Education Center

Welcome to Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park. The park visitor center is housed in the historic "Oil House" , a part of the Ford Assembly Building complex, and provides educational and interactive exhibits. People of all ages can learn about this important time and place in history and how it impacted our daily lives. This relatively new National Park was established in 2000.

The park staff is currently working with the City of Richmond, Contra Costa County and other park partners to preserve the historic World War II resources in Richmond. Some historic sites are open to the public, while others are only viewable from the outside. Please be sure stop by the Visitor Education Center, first, in order to watch our films, learn about local history and pick up a map that will provide guidance to park sites throughout the city of Richmond, California.

We are located at: 1414 Harbour Way South, Suite 3000, in Richmond, California. We provide interactive and educational exhibits as well as a variety of park films, which show in our theater on a regular schedule. Entry to the visitor center and the films are free. Call 510-232-5050, with any questions.

Audio Stop

Welcome to the audio program for "Oil House/Rosie the Riveter Visitor Education Center". This program is designed to provide an overview of WWII history and the Richmond, California Home Front. 

Where and When to Listen?

Available On:  NPS App, Self-Guided Tours and this "Place" page (web browser only) 

This program is part of an introduction to the history of the park and the WWII Home Front. You can listen to it at home, while driving, before your visit to the park visitor center or as part of the official NPS App driving tour. These files are also available as a free download on our website and can be a great educational tool for your classroom.

 

• Audio Stop: Oil House/Rosie the Riveter Visitor Education Center

  
  

  This audio program provides a brief introduction to the history behind the historic "Oil House" and the home of the Rosie the Riveter Visitor Education Center, part of the national park. This location houses our exhibits and park films.

  Credit / Author:

  NPS/Luther Bailey

  Date created:

  08/01/2023

  Audio Transcript

  The remodeled Oil House, part of the Historic Ford Building complex, sits on the edge of San Francisco Bay, adjacent to the Craneway. Its fuel once powered assembly lines for Ford automobiles, and later WWII assembly of jeeps and tanks.

  As part of the development of Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park, the Oil House was renovated to become the home for the park’s visitor education center in 2012 and now houses many museum artifacts, interactive exhibits, parks films and more. When exploring the first gallery of this historic building, you can still see the outlines on the concrete floor, where large oil tanks once sat.