The Stories that Shaped a Nation: Life on the WWII Home FrontExplore the fascinating stories of American civilians on the WWII home front, where diverse neighbors lived, worked, and interacted in ways that shaped the course of the war. From women working in factories to African American soldiers fighting abroad, and from children collecting scrap metal for the war effort to community leaders organizing rationing efforts, their experiences were marked by both opportunity and loss. As we delve into these diverse experiences, we discover how their efforts and sacrifices played a crucial role in shaping the nation's future. Directions and Maps
Need directions to the Visitor Education Center or other areas of interest from the Home Front? Pre-Visit Audio Programs
Curious about the park and WWII history? Discover more with our complimentary audio programs, designed to enrich your experience. Self-Guided App Tours - Richmond
Want to explore the WWII Home Front sites of Richmond? Use the official NPS app for GPS and audio programs. Rosie the Riveter Visitor Education CenterStart Your Journey HereImmerse yourself in WWII history at the Rosie the Riveter Visitor Education Center. As you enter, you’ll travel back to the bustling days of the Home Front, where ordinary Americans made extraordinary contributions. Housed in the historic "Oil House" of the Ford Assembly Plant, our center has been sharing these powerful stories since 2000. Explore how the war reshaped daily life and discover the remarkable efforts of those who answered the call. Interactive exhibits and park films further enrich your experience, bringing the history of the Home Front to life in engaging and memorable ways. Housed in the Historic "Oil House"Located on the edge of San Francisco Bay, the historic Oil House is a symbol of America's industrial strength. Originally fueling Ford’s assembly lines and later supporting the production of WWII jeeps and tanks, this iconic building was transformed in 2012 into the Rosie the Riveter Visitor Education Center. Plan Your VisitAddmission is free - There is no cost to vist the park visitor center, exibits and films.Hours and Days - We are open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. How Long Does it Take? - For most people, it takes 1-2 hours to explore the exhibits and watch one or more park films at the visitor center. How to Find Us: Directions to the Park Park Films: Stories on the Big Screen Ranger and Docent-led Programs: Learn from the Experts Bookstore: Take a Piece of History Home Rosie Fridays: Meet the Real Heroes Para hablantes de español: En español. Folleto del parque SS Red Oak Victory Ship
Visit the SS Red Oak Victory Ship, which is docked in the Richmond Shipyard. The Rosie the Riveter Memorial
Visit the Rosie the Riveter Memorial. Click for more information. Historic Places of Interest
The Richmond WWII Home Front provides a number of historic places to drive by, view or visit. Explore Over 20 Historic WWII Home Front SitesRichmond, California, is a living archive of WWII Home Front history, with numerous sites that were instrumental during the war and continue to preserve those stories today. After spending time with the exhibits and park films at the visitor center, take your adventure further by exploring the city’s rich historical landscape. Plan Your JourneyTo start your exploration of Richmond’s historic WWII sites, visit our "Places to Go" page. This resource offers a detailed overview of each site, making it easy to plan your visit. We also provide several tools to enhance your experience:
Short on Time? Don’t Miss These Four Must-See Sites:
For more details, visit our Places to Go page and make the most of your visit to Richmond's historic sites. Park FilmsDiscover the compelling stories of the WWII Home Front through our selection of park films shown on the large screen of the theater. Each film provides unique insights into the experiences and contributions of those who lived through this pivotal era. Home Front Heroes The War at Home Blossoms & Thorns Living History: Ambassadors of Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park Rosie Fridays: Meet the Real HeroesStep Back in Time and Connect with Living History Every Friday, immerse yourself in the stories of the WWII Home Front at our special Rosie Fridays events. At 10:30 and 11:30, you’ll have the unique opportunity to meet real WWII Home Front workers, affectionately known as "Rosies." These incredible individuals played a crucial role in supporting the war effort, and through their personal stories, they offer a firsthand account of life during this transformative period. Important Information:
Why Attend Rosie Fridays? Rosie Fridays offer a rare and valuable opportunity to hear directly from the heroes of the WWII Home Front. This is an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages—a chance to honor and learn from the remarkable individuals who helped shape history. Don’t miss out on this special opportunity! |
Last updated: December 2, 2024