Last updated: August 17, 2023
Thing to Do
Self-Guided Tours - Historic Sites
NPS collection, RORI 1039_b
Getting Started
In addtion to exploring our Visitor Education Center, filled with exhibits and a variety of park films, visitors can also explore the various historic sites around the City of Richmond. While the park does not own any of these sites, there are currently around 30 stops that are part of the WWII Home Front History interpretive story.
Official NPS App Tours
The official NPS app can be downloaded for your smartphone.
1. Download and install the official NPS app.
2. Search for our park by the park's official name.
3. Choose the "Self-Guided Tours" icon on the main screen, not the one in the "Things to Do" menu icon.
4. Choose a tour. We are always creating a variety of tours that are a mix of audio and GPS based but vary by content and locations. Some tours are designed for walking, others for driving. Most tours should engage with the map and GPS on your phone. Audio files, when played, should also play through your vehicle's sound system if the vehicle has that capability.
Safety Note: As with any city or any tour, please be respectful of other's property and always be mindful of your vehichle and belongings. Other than the visitor center, there are no NPS staff at these sites. Please drive safely and do not get distracted by audio while you are driving or walking. Most buidlings can be viewed from the outside only, as some are current businesses, privately owned or even unsfafe to enter due to condition.
Tear-Off Map from Visitor Center
If you'd rather not use your smart phone, a self-guided tour map can be obtained at the Visitor Education Center. We recommened that this is your first stop in order to experience the interactive exhibits and park films. Rangers and docents can help you decide where to go first and provide any historical background information and current details to make your tour an informative and enjoyable experience.
Details
Duration
1-3 Hours
Time will depend on driviing habits, traffic, and immersion.
Activity
Self-Guided Tours - Auto
This self-guided tour starts by first visiting the Rosie the Riveter Visitor Education Center in Richmond, CA. Park staff will provide a driving map and additonal guidance outlining the best way to experience the historic places around the city.
Age(s)
0-99
All ages are welcome to enjoy the driving tour.
Pets Allowed
Yes
Of course pets are allowed on the driving tour in private vehicles. However, pets in the Visitor Education Center are restricted to guide-animals based upon ADA standards. Please see our "Pets" section of the website to learn more. You may also contact the visitor center with additional questions.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Richmond, California.
The City of Richmond, California lies in the East Bay of Contra Costa County. It is approximately 17 miles from the city of San Francisco, California.
Richmond, California was chosen as the site for this National Historical Park because it has so many surviving sites and structures from the World War II years that can help tell the diverse stories of the home front. These stories include the mobilization of America’s industry and the changes in production techniques; the struggle for women’s and minority rights; the labor movement; the growth of pre-paid medical care; advances in early childhood education and day care; recycling and rationing; major shifts in population; and changes in arts and culture.
Richmond played a significant and nationally recognized part in the World War II home front. The four Richmond shipyards produced 747 ships, more than any other shipyard complex in the country. Richmond was also home to over 56 different war industries, more than any other city of its size in the United States. The city grew from less than 24,000 people in 1940 to nearly 100,000 people by 1943, overwhelming the available housing, roads, schools, businesses and community services. At the same time, Executive Order 9066 forcibly removed Japanese and Japanese-American residents from the area, disrupting Richmond’s thriving cut-flower industry. The war truly touched every aspect of civilian life on the home front. Through historic structures, museum collections, interpretive exhibits, and programs, the park tells the diverse and fascinating story of the WWII home front.
Richmond, California was chosen as the site for this National Historical Park because it has so many surviving sites and structures from the World War II years that can help tell the diverse stories of the home front. These stories include the mobilization of America’s industry and the changes in production techniques; the struggle for women’s and minority rights; the labor movement; the growth of pre-paid medical care; advances in early childhood education and day care; recycling and rationing; major shifts in population; and changes in arts and culture.
Richmond played a significant and nationally recognized part in the World War II home front. The four Richmond shipyards produced 747 ships, more than any other shipyard complex in the country. Richmond was also home to over 56 different war industries, more than any other city of its size in the United States. The city grew from less than 24,000 people in 1940 to nearly 100,000 people by 1943, overwhelming the available housing, roads, schools, businesses and community services. At the same time, Executive Order 9066 forcibly removed Japanese and Japanese-American residents from the area, disrupting Richmond’s thriving cut-flower industry. The war truly touched every aspect of civilian life on the home front. Through historic structures, museum collections, interpretive exhibits, and programs, the park tells the diverse and fascinating story of the WWII home front.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility Information
Visitors with Physical/Mobility Needs:
The multi-leveled visitor education center is completely accessible with the use of the elevator. All displays are well placed for use, or viewing, from a seated or standing position. Restrooms, drinking fountain, and theater, located in the lower level, are accessible. The theater entrance has a gently sloping ramp for access to the front row of the theater which can accommodate two wheelchairs. Additional wheelchair spaces are available in the back of the theater. Two designated disabled parking spaces are located on the north end of the building.
Information for People Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing:
The two orientation films, Home Front Heroes and The War at Home that are shown in the downstairs theater are closed captioned. Assisted-Listening devices are available in the theater upon request. Audio-visual exhibit displays in the upstairs galleries have closed captioning. Assisted-Listening devices for the exhibit galleries upstairs are available as well. There is a closed captioned and AD (Audio Described) version of Home Front Heroes that can be accessed on the park website. This only one of the park films that we show in the Rosie theater.
Blind/Low vision:
The main park brochure is available in braille, please inquire at the front desk for a copy that can be borrowed. Some of the permanent exhibits were designed for a tactile experience. For example, the visitor center has a copy of the famous world war two poster, "We Can Do It", made out of sculpted brass for visitors to touch. There is also a large tactile map of the Richmond Shipyards with a braille legend.The park is developing an audio tour of the newly installed permanent exhibits. There is an audio tour available for those who need it, which can be provided by the front desk at the visitor center.
Learning Disability:
The exhibits are designed to reach a wide audience and age groups. The exhibits offer interactive exhibits, historic artifacts and reproductions.
Sign-Language
Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front NHP is dedicated to providing a rich experience for all visitors, and we are happy to offer sign language interpretation for public programs upon request. Because we do not have a sign language interpreter on staff, please contact the park with your request at least two weeks in advance of your visit, or when you’re making your tour reservation.
Red Oak Victory Ship Accessibility
Note:The SS Red Oak Victory is a World War II cargo ship, please contact the ship directly to discuss access issues. Call (510) 237-2933 or visit their website.
Contact Us
Please use this email link to contact a park ranger
or to request a brochure. You may also call us at
the listed number:
(510) 232-5050 Ext 0
Click here to email the park
Mailing Address for administrative offices only:
Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front NHP
440 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 300
Richmond, CA 94804
Visitor Education Center Location:
1414 Harbour Way S #3000,
Richmond, CA 94804