The Riveter - Summer 2022 Newsletter from Rosie the Riveter Trust

News from Rosie the Riveter Trust Summer 2022

Wall of Honor Banners Celebrate Home Front Workers

Ludie Mitchell, Journeyman Welder at Kaiser Shipyards, is featured on one of the banners. / Richard Mitchell/The Mitchell Family

Meet K. Lynn Berry, New Park Superintendent

by Martha Henderson, Communications and Development Specialist

Rosie the

is the nonprofit membership organization dedicated to building a community to preserve Park historic sites and to honor the women and men of all backgrounds who labored on the home front, inspiring some of the most profound social changes in our history.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Letitia D. Moore

PRESIDENT

Kyle Wichelmann VICE PRESIDENT

Warren R. Harber TREASURER

Michelle Fadelli SECRETARY

Jane Bartke

Tom Butt

Mark Cameron

Cathy Durfee

Diane M. Hedler

Lynne Horiuchi

Ebony Lewis

Scott Tandy Nicholas Targ

BOARD SUPPORT

Philip B. Young PRO BONO LEGAL COUNSEL

TRUST STAFF

Sarah Pritchard EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Lisa Foote

MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER

Martha Henderson COMMUNICATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

Sarah Jo James DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE Amy Tanner DONOR ENGAGEMENT OFFICER

510-507-2276 / info@rosietheriveter.org rosietheriveter.org

K. Lynn Berry recently assumed the post of Superintendent of Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park and three other parks in the East Bay. I had the opportunity to sit down with K. Lynn outside the National Park Visitor Center on a crisp, blue-sky afternoon overlooking the San Francisco Bay just two weeks into her new role.

Hello and welcome! Please share some first impressions. Hello! An incredibly tight-knit, dedicated community surrounds this park and its stories. Everyone who came up to me at the recent event for Betty Reid Soskin told me about their parents or grandparents who worked in a home front industry, about the connections they have to the Park, or partnerships they’ve had with the Park or Trust. It was impressive and exciting to think about the level of commitment that comes from the community in supporting this park.

What was especially attractive to you about taking this post?

What I gathered was that there was a strong community and sense of partnerships and the interpretive angle is impressive. Conversations I had with others made it clear that that kind of dynamic, fun, challenging relationships were all present here. Plus, the Bay Area itself seems like one big exciting adventure.

What would you like to grow or add to what this unique park offers now?

The Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park was established in 2000 as the flagship park to tell the World War II home front story.

VISITOR EDUCATION CENTER

OPEN EVERY DAY, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Closed Thanksgiving, December 25, and New Years Day)

1414 Harbour Way South, Ste. 3000, (Oil House), Richmond, CA 94804 510-232-5050 ext 0 nps.gov/rori

MARITIME CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER 1014 Florida Avenue Richmond, CA 94804

CRANEWAY PAVILION 1414 Harbour Way South Richmond, CA 94804

ROSIE THE RIVETER MEMORIAL Marina Bay Park Richmond, CA 94804

OUR PUBLIC AGENCY PARTNER

The National Park Service was created in 1916 to preserve America’s natural, cultural and scenic treasures and to provide for their enjoyment by future generations.

PRINTING: Autumn Press with soy-based inks on recycled paper

2: Courtesy of NPS/RORI

I get excited when I think about the potential that parks have to be a positive influence on the community in which they sit. All parks strive for that; they seek out youth employment opportunities, school programs, or building relationships with their gateway communities. An urban park like this one that already has a dynamic set of relationships, long-standing ones, seems to me to present good opportunities to improve the quality of life, economic development, and help kids see themselves in different kinds of professions that they might not have otherwise considered. I’d like to see a real focus on further economic development and pride in place. That’s present here – I talked with a lot of people at the event, all of whom were very proud of their place – but I think there’s potential to build on that.

How do you think the Park could build a larger national presence and connect with other WWII sites around the country?

All national parks are local as well as national. The goal, always, is to tie that national significance to other themes and reach as broad an audience as possible. There are plenty of examples of that, though this park has benefited from some high-profile awareness and coverage, not least of which is Betty Reid Soskin’s fame.

Our Park also has a hook in that people relate to that time period even if they weren’t alive then, plus they relate to the concept – even if not perfectly realized – that we can all come together to achieve something and feel like we’re pointing in the same direction. It’s appealing emotionally. Many other parks with certain time periods or themes network and grab their thematic pieces to share them across the system, such as Civil War sites, Civil Rights sites.

Thank you, Superintendent Berry. We are excited to work with you and for you to learn more about the Trust. We are always working to broaden the visibility of the park and put programs into place that carry out today’s version of the home front spirit. Welcome!

Riveter Trust

DESIGN: Mark Briggs Design

PHOTOS

Advocating for Gender Equity in the Trades

What do you think the percentage is of industrial jobs that are occupied by women today? During WWII, women made up 40% of the industrial home front jobs, although after the war, most jobs that had been performed by women were given back to men returning from the military. But surely, you may think, that after women proved they were excellent riveters and welders, today’s industrial trades would include a good number of women, right?

Well, you may be surprised that this is most certainly not the case! For example, the reality is that women make up less than 4% of the workforce in the construction trades in California – and this is after decades-long efforts to open the doors to women and women of color. According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, “Women remain strongly underrepresented in the trades: fewer than 1 in 20 (3.4%) of construction trades workers in 2018 were women.”

Rosie the Riveter Trust is working to change this low statistic and open the door for more women into skilled trades jobs, which provide good pay and benefits. One Trust initiative, along with a consortium of partners, is the Rosie the Riveter Certification Awards, which are designed to serve as a “seal of approval” for construction workplaces that demonstrate best practices in gender equity.

“The Certification Awards launch at a time when California will be receiving billions of dollars in funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to rebuild roads and bridges and improve airports and transit systems. A generation of good-paying union jobs and economic growth is at the ready. It’s a critical time to get women in the pipeline and ensure equity for them,” said Sarah Pritchard, Executive Director of Rosie the Riveter Trust.

The Trust convened a meeting with special guest Department of Labor Women’s Bureau Director Wendy Chun-Hoon and a wide variety of tradeswomen

leaders, government officials, union representatives, apprentice trainers and educators.

Chun-Hoon asked the group, “What are you seeing as promising strategies to build the recruitment of women, including women of color, at this moment?”

Participants highlighted reliable child care, transportation, training, and support for women working in the field as key to recruiting and retaining women in the trades.

“Child care is not just a women’s issue; there are single fathers that have a hard time getting to work as well,” said Rachel Leanos, Outreach/Mentorship Coordinator with the Northern California Carpenters Regional Council. “During the war effort, Henry J. Kaiser provided 24-hour child care, and I think we need to replicate that now.”

“The more women we get out there, the better the culture is going to get,” said Juanita Douglas, Senior Manager, Construction and Labor Relations at Rising Sun Center for Opportunity.

“At Boilermakers Local 549, we are working to train women to be leaders and foremen. Women in leadership positions can make a big difference.” MARISSA COLLINS, APPRENTICE, BOILERMAKERS LOCAL 549

Wendy Chun-Hoon, Director of the Women’s Bureau, Department of Labor, with Rosies Marian Wynn and Marian Sousa. / Lisa Foote

Women Boilermakers

On the Good, the Bad and the Challenge of Working in the Trades

We asked some current-day Rosies from Boilermakers Local 549 to comment on what it’s like for women working in traditionally male trades. Here are a few of their insights and observations.

Kesheona Darden

The most fulfilling thing for me is seeing other “bad” women coming together and looking out for each other. They aren’t afraid of sharing knowledge and want to see you succeed just as much as you want to. To the young ladies who are considering this type of career, just stay true to yourself. Maintain your confidence, come in and give 100% and no one can deny you.

One of the biggest challenges is having to prove ourselves before being given certain opportunities. Men are looked at as capable before even lifting a finger, whereas we have to prove we are worthy of being out there!

Being a woman in the trades is the best decision I could’ve made. My babies love when I come home and tell them stories about the things I’ve learned. It’s a very fulfilling experience and you make some incredible connections with the other boilermakers.

The most fulfilling thing as a woman in the trades is that I am proud of where I’ve come and how doors continue to open for women.

What I would like to say to a young girl or woman considering a career in traditionally male occupations is that this is not for the weak. So if you’re not ready for some struggle, this might not be for you. We are making tremendous progress, but it’s far from over. The biggest challenge I face on the job as a woman is getting respect. I think the solution would be getting women in higher positions in the field.

I’m honored to be a part of the trades and the current movement.

Marissa Collins

Angel Greer

What makes my day is when I’m on the out-of-work list and get name-called for a job. It tells me that I’m seen and I’m appreciated. My work ethic is paying off. It makes me feel valuable as a boilermaker and a woman in the trades.

This trade, like it was said before, is not for the weak. It will build character in and out of the workplace, if you’re willing to take this journey. Nothing in life comes easy but the reward for your effort and hard work is tremendous. It’s a blessing to learn a craft and to be able to implement that in your life.

One of my biggest challenges is walking on a job. You have to walk in my shoes ‘cause words don’t describe the feeling.

My motto is, “Can’t stop, won’t stop.” Just give me a chance so I can show you how many circles I can run around these guys. My work will speak for itself.

P.S.: When I wrote this I was 50+ feet in the air!

Rennae Ross

One of the most fulfilling things for me is seeing the excitement on my son’s face as we pass the refinery from the freeway and he says, “Look, Momma, it’s your work!”

For all of the young ladies out there, I would tell them to never be intimidated by hard, dirty work. As they say in the field, “dirty work, clean money.” And although it’s not always pleasant making that money, it sure feels great when you do.

Honestly, my biggest challenge has always been me –allowing myself to be passed up for difficult tasks knowing that I was more than capable of doing them and never spoke up. Use your voice, ladies, and show your skills! Command the respect you deserve.

We are all a part of something much bigger than ourselves. There needs to be an understanding and shared knowledge of how women came into the trades. As a proud boilermaker woman, I hope to inspire more women to get out there and continue what our predecessors started so that we can make sure every trade knows that there is always going to be a little bit of “Rosie” in all of us.

RENNAE ROSS

Photos by Lisa Foote

“I hope to inspire more women to get out there and continue what our predecessors started so that we can make sure every trade knows that there is always going to be a little bit of “Rosie” in all of us.”

Dear Trust Supporters,

As a Board member and the Chair of this year’s Rosie Gala, I want to express my fond hopes that you will join me on September 17 in person or virtually for Rosie’s Big Bash!

The gala is Rosie the Riveter Trust’s most important fundraising event, and this year, we will shine our spotlight and raise our glass to our Rosie Ambassadors, who worked at the Kaiser Shipyards as young women and now represent the Park at external events and tell their lively stories to students and visitors at the national park. Our Rosies are living legends, and we hope you will join us to pay tribute to them!

We will have inspiring speakers, live and silent auctions that you won’t want to miss, and the Klipptones swing band to wrap up the evening. Please see the ad on page 8 or go to rosietheriveter.org for details.

I hope to celebrate in home front style with you and the Rosies on September 17!

— Michelle Fadelli

P.S. We are looking for sponsors, auction item donations and gala committee volunteers. Email info@rosietheriveter.org.

Wall of Honor Project

Our WWII Home Front Worker Wall of Honor showcases banners of individual home front workers, including the three below, along the Bay Trail adjacent to the Visitor Education Center. A matching set of smaller banners will be available for a variety of Trust and Park events, parades, and mobile displays.

Be a part of sharing stories and preserving history by purchasing a banner to celebrate a particular home front worker whose story is especially inspiring to you or by making a gift to support the project.

Thousands of people will see the faces of Rosie the Riveters and home front workers for years to come through this mobile display.

To learn more and make a tax-deductible contribution to the Wall of Honor, please go to rosietheriveter.org > Programs or scan the QR code.

THE PARK

Events and dates are subject to change. For up-to-date schedules and more information, please see the calendar on the Park website at nps.gov/rori or call the Visitor Education Center at 510-232-5050. The Center is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm, and entry is free. Masks are required for all in-person events.

Rosie Fridays Fridays, 10:30 am and 11:30 am

Visit with real WWII home front workers. The program is held in the Visitor Center theater and is dependent on how our Rosies are feeling.

Betty Reid Soskin’s Virtual Program

Join us for virtual chats with Betty, in her new position as a Park volunteer, which are usually held on Thursdays from 2 to 3 pm PT.

EVENTS

THE TRUST

For details and other events, go to rosietheriveter.org > Events

Pride and Purpose Beer Festival

June 18, 12 – 6 pm

Proceeds benefit Rosie the Riveter Trust. See page 8 for details.

Rosie Presents! with Retired Ranger Elizabeth Tucker

June 30, 6:00 pm, on Zoom

Surviving and Thriving from Yosemite to Rosie the Riveter: A Lesbian Park Ranger in the National Park Service. Visit our website for more information and Zoom link.

Rosie the Riveter Trust Gala

September 17, 5 pm

Tickets on sale now! See page 8 for details.

Betty Reid Soskin Retires from the National Park Service

On Thursday, March 31, 2022, Ranger Betty retired after a decade and a half of sharing her personal experiences and the efforts of others who worked on the World War II home front. Soskin’s interpretive programs at Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park have illuminated the histories of African Americans and other people of color, and her inclusive efforts demonstrate how her work has impacted the way the National Park Service now conveys such history to audiences across the United States.

Dear Betty, from all of us at the Trust, thank you for your extraordinary contributions to the success of Rosie the Riveter/ World War II Home Front National Historical Park and Rosie the Riveter Trust. In our mission to encourage new generations to learn from history and apply the lessons learned to today’s opportunities and challenges, we have been inspired by your insightfulness and insistence to engage and explore our complex history and relationships.

We are indebted to you for helping to shape the Park into the national treasure it is today, and for all the programs you shared with people from around the world!

– The Board, staff, and community members of Rosie the Riveter Trust

RESOURCES

No Time to Waste

Produced by Rosie the Riveter Trust, this 50-minute documentary captures the 100-year-old retired park ranger’s fascinating life pathway from the experiences of a young worker in a WWII segregated union hall, through her multifaceted career as a singer, activist, mother, legislative representative and park planner to her present public role. Rent it for just $4.99. Go to rosietheriveter.org, then search No Time to Waste

Of Lost Conversations

In this 55-minute video, Ranger Betty Reid Soskin speaks at the Rosie the Riveter Visitor Education Center and introduces the park film Home Front Heroes, which is played in its entirety. Go to nps.gov/rori, then search Of Lost Conversations

Online Talks

Betty continues her Thursday online talks as a volunteer. Check the calendar on the Park website at nps.gov/rori or call the Park at 510-232-5050.

Sign My Name to Freedom: A Memoir of a Pioneering Life Published in 2018, Betty’s fascinating memoir is available at the Visitor Center and Trust website at rosietheriveter.org > Shop

(From left) Betty at her retirement party with, left to right, NPS Director Charles “Chuck” Sams III, Marian Wynn, Park Superintendent K. Lynn Berry, Marian Sousa, and Frank Lands, Regional Director for Parks in the Pacific West; Interpretation, Education and Outreach Division Manager Kelli English presents to Betty a set of remarks entered into the Congressional Record by U.S. Senators Angus King (Maine) and Steve Daines (Montana). / Luther Bailey, NPS

3During WWII, women made up 40% of the industrial home front jobs. What do you think the percentage is today?

Women Boilermakers on the good, the bad and the challenge of working in the trades today.

7

Hundreds turned out to honor Betty Reid Soskin for helping to share the history of the WWII home front.

New Park Superintendent K. Lynn Berry is wowed by the Bay Area’s pride and dedication to the Park and Trust.

Pride + Purpose Beer Festival

Saturday, June 18, 12 – 6 pm East Brother Beer Company, 1001 Canal Street, Richmond, CA

Get $10 off the $60 ticket price with the code ROSIE10. Discount ends June 8. Admission includes a 5 oz taster glass with unlimited beer samples. Proceeds from the festival benefit Rosie the Riveter Trust.

For tickets and details, go to: rosietheriveter.org > Events

“We worked all day and danced all night.”

ROSIE THE RIVETER MAE KRIER