Things To Do

Rosie the Riveter Visitor Education Center.

NPS photo/Luther Bailey

 

 

The Stories that Shaped a Nation: Life on the WWII Home Front

Explore 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.

 

 

The entrance to the Visitor Education center, located at the Ford Building and on the waterfront side.

NPS Photo/Luther Bailey

Rosie the Riveter Visitor Education Center

Start Your Journey Here

Immerse 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. Today, it serves as a gateway to understanding the stories that shaped our nation.

Plan Your Visit

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

 

 

Explore Over 20 Historic WWII Home Front Sites

Richmond, 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 Journey

To 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:

• NPS App: Download the official NPS app for an immersive audio and GPS-guided experience. The app offers the most comprehensive guide to the sites, including turn-by-turn directions to most locations listed on the "Places to Go" page.
• Tour Map: Pick up a detailed tour map at the visitor center to help guide your exploration.

Short on Time? Don’t Miss These Four Must-See Sites:

1. Ford Assembly Plant: Once a hub for producing military vehicles, this site now stands as a symbol of the city’s industrial heritage. It’s right next to the Rosie the Riveter Visitor Education Center.

2. SS Red Oak Victory Ship: A preserved WWII cargo ship offering tours and events, though it’s not owned by the park, it’s an essential part of Richmond’s maritime history.

3. Kaiser Richmond Shipyards: Among the most productive shipyards of the war, these yards epitomize innovation and the power of American industry.

4. Rosie the Riveter Memorial: This memorial is a poignant tribute to the women who worked in factories and shipyards, honoring their invaluable contributions and sacrifices.

For more details, visit our Places to Go page and make the most of your visit to Richmond's historic sites.

 

Park Films

Discover 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.

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Home Front Heroes
A documentary celebrating the everyday Americans who contributed significantly to the war effort on the home front. Through personal stories and archival footage, this film highlights the resilience and dedication of those who kept the country running during WWII.

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The War at Home
This film explores the profound impact of WWII on American soil. It delves into the social, economic, and cultural changes that occurred as a result of the war, illustrating how communities adapted and thrived despite the challenges.

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Blossoms & Thorns
A poignant documentary focusing on the experiences of Japanese Americans during WWII. It chronicles their forced relocation and incarceration, as well as their enduring spirit and contributions to the war effort despite facing discrimination and hardship.

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Living History: Ambassadors of Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park
This film brings to life the stories of the real-life "Rosies" and other home front workers. Featuring interviews and firsthand accounts, it showcases their invaluable contributions and the lasting legacy of their efforts during the war.

 

Rosie Fridays: Meet the Real Heroes

Step 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:

• Rosie Docents: Due to their advanced age, attendance from these Rosie docents cannot always be guaranteed. When the Rosies are unavailable, a knowledgeable park docent will lead a program dedicated to discussing their remarkable contributions and experiences.
• Engaging Programs: Through engaging storytelling and historical context, you'll learn about the significant impact these workers had on the war effort and American society.
• Health & Safety: Masks are required for all attendees to ensure the safety and health of our visitors and participants. The program schedule may change due to health concerns, so we recommend checking in advance for the latest updates.

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!