The Riveter - Summer 2023 Newsletter from Rosie the Riveter Trust

Drawing of Whirley Crane by well-known artist Werner Philipp. / Donated collection from the Tandy family, RORI 5209_m, Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park

ROSIE THE RIVETER TRUST celebrates the stories of sacrifice, opportunity, and profound social change that took place in America during World War II. As the official nonprofit partner of Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park located in Richmond, California, we help honor the strong work ethic of people from all backgrounds who worked on the home front. Through historic preservation and educational programming, we inspire people to learn from history and apply those lessons in today’s world.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Letitia D. Moore

PRESIDENT

Michelle Fadelli

VICE PRESIDENT

Warren R. Harber

TREASURER

Kyle Wichelmann

SECRETARY

Jane Bartke

Tom Butt

Mark Cameron

Diane M. Hedler

Ebony Lewis

Scott Tandy

Nicholas Targ

BOARD SUPPORT

Philip B. Young

PRO BONO LEGAL COUNSEL

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

If It Weren’t for the Rosies… is the theme of the 2023 annual gala on September 23, as we have heard time and time again how the Rosies paved the way for the next generation of women – and men – to enter the workplace and to feel empowered to do and be anything they set their minds to. Please save the date for this uplifting celebration and important fundraiser!

TRUST STAFF

Sarah Pritchard

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Sarah Jo James

DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Leo Cuevas

PROGRAM AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

Molli Fagan

PRODUCT MARKETING MANAGER

SUPPORT BY

Martha Henderson

COMMUNICATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

Amy Tanner

DONOR ENGAGEMENT OFFICER

Lisa Foote

SPECIAL PROJECTS

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

Also, I invite you to record a short video (using your phone camera is fine) on how you would answer the prompt “If It Weren’t for the Rosies…” and email it to info@rosietheriveter.org or send via text to (510) 507-2276. We will use your replies to illustrate the many ways that the Rosies’ We Can Do It! spirit has made a difference and continues to be an inspiration to so many.

The Rosies’ example of coming together and working with purpose and courage provides an encouraging lesson for our youth. Having fourth graders come back to the Park after such a long hiatus due to COVID-19 truly brings us joy. Thanks to all of you who recently answered our match challenge to fund their transportation costs!

I hope you enjoy this issue of The Riveter and that you check out the new virtual tour and/or plan a visit to the Park to see the new programs and our new Betty Reid Soskin merchandise!

— Sarah Pritchard

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

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.

EDITOR: Martha Henderson

DESIGN: Mark Briggs Design

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

PHOTOS PAGE 2:

FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

When I was a kid, my favorite subject was social studies. I was drawn to what seemed – even to my kid brain – like a really cool mix of history, sociology, and the study of other cultures. I just got pulled in, almost mesmerized, especially by the textbook drawings, photos, and oh!, the maps! If a topic was about something old, or ancient, rusty, or dusty, I would feel an even stronger attachment. I carried my childhood interests forward into my college and grad school studies, early jobs in historic preservation and archaeology, and of course, in the National Park Service (NPS), where that kind of work is part of our mission.

Now those interests have a new focus, right here at our park. In 2000, Congress established Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park to preserve “sites… associated with the industrial, governmental, and citizen efforts that led to victory in WWII for the benefit and inspiration of the people.”

Today, I couldn’t be more pleased about our opportunities for historic preservation, where we have a chance to ensure that the Richmond buildings and sites that tell the home front story are still here for future generations.

Ours is a partnership park, and the WWII Home Front historic sites which are part of the park are owned by entities other than the NPS. We are authorized to work in partnership with the owners to interpret and preserve the history; our legislation outlines where we can actively collaborate to preserve a property or simply “consult” and “provide interpretation and technical assistance with the preservation.”

We are catalysts for and key actors in this important work. It’s the reason Congress established the Park, as well as the reason my social-studies-loving inner child and all the other team members at the Park and the Trust get inspired to come to work each day. We hope you’ll want to be a part of it, too!

— K. Lynn Berry

Courtesy of NPS/RORI; Child’s painting courtesy of the Richmond History & Culture Museum.

Share Betty Reid Soskin’s Message Proudly!

Betty Reid Soskin was instrumental in shaping Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park more than 25 years ago. Soskin’s extremely popular interpretive programs at the Park illuminated the histories of African Americans and other people of color, and her inclusive efforts impacted the way the National Park Service now conveys such history to audiences across the United States. She retired in March 2022 at 100 years old.

To celebrate Betty, Rosie the Riveter Trust has created new merchandise so that you can have everyday reminders of Betty’s wisdom for inspiration. Choose a t-shirt emblazoned with “We Are All Making History” or a sticker in pink or green. You can find them, along with Betty’s memoir, Sign My Name to Freedom, and many other items at the Visitor Education Center Gift Shop or online at rosietheriveter.org > Shop

You can also learn more about Betty in the award-winning 2019 documentary No Time to Waste: The Urgent Mission of Betty Reid Soskin. Produced by the Trust, the film captures Betty’s fascinating life pathway – from the experiences of a young worker in a WWII segregated union hall, through her multi-faceted work as a singer, activist, mother, legislative representative and park planner, and to her remarkable National Park Service career. Judy Scotchmoor, a viewer from Sonoma, CA, said, “An extraordinary documentary. It is not often that a film brings tears to your eyes, laughter, and hope all in one experience.” To watch No Time to Waste, go to rosietheriveter.org > Programs > Sharing Stories

“

[Betty’s] ability to share unflinching truths along with a deep hopefulness made her one of the most sought-after presenters at the Park during her time as a national park ranger.”

CARL BIDLEMAN, FILM PRODUCER

“Everything in my life has to be truthful and meaningful, because I don’t have time for foolishness.”

BETTY REID SOSKIN, 2018 WOMAN OF THE YEAR, GLAMOUR MAGAZINE

Luther Bailey, NPS; (below) Molli Fagan

Historic Preservation Committee Launches

This Spring, Rosie the Riveter Trust launched a committee to elevate the Trust and Park’s efforts to preserve WWII home front sites.

The new Historic Preservation Committee will support the community stewardship of the Rosie the Riveter/ WWII Home Front National Historical Park sites, buildings, and other Richmond home front sites that convey the stories of social and cultural change that began or accelerated during the home front mobilization.

The committee has started with an assessment of Richmond’s home front sites to gauge the level of risk each site faces and set priorities for preservation measures. With this information, the committee hopes to bring key partners together to safeguard and restore places that were important to the home front, work with partners to provide greater access to these places, and promote all the sites that the Park encompasses.

In addition to Trust Board members’ participation and the National Park Service, the committee is actively recruiting community members who can bring expertise or experience in historic preservation, architecture, City of Richmond knowledge, real estate or significant interest in preservation, as well as individuals with influence to support fundraising. For more information, contact Sarah Pritchard at sarah@rosietheriveter.org

Visit Us Virtually!

The Trust is thrilled to announce the addition of a new virtual tour of Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park. In partnership with the Park and with funding provided by California Humanities, the Trust launched this virtual tour to make the home front stories and park sites accessible from anywhere in the world.

Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park comprises a collection of historic sites, many of which remain intact over a halfcentury after WWII. Together, these sites tell the story of the wide-ranging civilian, industrial, and governmental efforts that supported the nation during a time of critical need.

The virtual tour offers historical photos of the shipyards and landmark sites of the Park, videos, and myriad stories that make up the home front experiences. Based on GIS mapping, you can point to the location you want to visit and bring up directions or virtually see how the park is spread across the city of Richmond.

To enjoy this tour, please visit rosietheriveter.org > The National Park .

(Clockwise from top) Visitor Education Center; Group of workers at Kaiser Richmond Shipyard No. 4; Maritime Child Development Center; First Aid Station, Kaiser Richmond Shipyard No. 3, circa 1948; SS Red Oak Victory / Annamarie Morel; RORI 4217, Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park; Interactive Resources; Photo #4252, Kaiser Permanente Heritage Resources; Red Oak Victory

Fourth Grade Field Trips Return to the Park!

Prescriptions for Parks?

Did you know that healthcare providers are referring their patients to spend time in national parks and nature to improve their health and well-being?

After a three-year hiatus, students are once again able to spend a day at Rosie the Riveter/ WWII Home Front National Historical Park, and we couldn’t be more delighted!

Fourth grade students tour the Visitor Education Center with a Ranger to learn local history and the captivating stories of our home front heroes. Then, they take a one-mile walk along the San Francisco Bay Trail as the ranger brings to life the WWll population boom and how the shipyards turned out 747 ships with unprecedented speed. They also talk about the ramifications both had on natural resources – and how everyone can be an environmental steward of the Bay’s water quality today.

As part of a National Parks program, Every Kid Outdoors is dedicated to bringing all fourth graders to their nearest national park to learn about regional history, the local environment, and their place in the world. Your financial support helps make this program accessible to local students –thank you!

THE TRUST’S ANNUAL GALA

If It Weren’t for the Rosies…

For an evening with inspiring home front heroes – with original Rosies and those who keep the legacy alive today – please join us on Saturday, September 23 for our annual Rosie the Riveter Trust gala.

This important fundraising event supports the Trust’s efforts to preserve home front history, share stories, and inspire youth. It’s a lively night of fun, great food, spectacular Bay views, tantalizing live and silent auctions, and a chance to meet Rosies in person.

Mark your calendars and check out the silent online auction, which will open on September 13, ten days before the gala. For details on sponsorship or individual tickets, go to rosietheriveter.org > New & Events

ParkRx Day is an annual, national day that seeks to improve community health and access to walkable, green spaces for all. Although the official day for 2023 has passed, you can always fill your “prescription” by visiting our park and combining it with a walk along the bay and a dose of inspiration from the home front! To learn more about ParkRx, visit parkrx.org

“As Betty Reid Soskin said, ‘What gets remembered is determined by who is in the room doing the remembering.’ As chair of the Rosie Gala, I would be delighted to welcome you to the room.”

MICHELLE PRIOR-ALAMEDA, GALA 2023 CHAIR

Lisa Foote; (right) Sarah Pritchard

Ivonne Malave, Leo Cuevas, Bridget Hughes, and Mariana Souceda / Lisa Foote

A Perfect Summer Day!

Add Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park to your summer bucket list! Inspiration, exploration, tasty food, shopping, and spectacular views of the Bay await you. For a perfect day, try our itinerary below or check out the virtual tour (see page 4) to decide what you want to see. With so many sites at the Park, you can’t go wrong. All are accessible from 1414 Harbour Way South, where parking is plentiful, or consider coming from San Francisco on the ferry.

> Start with a tour of the Visitor Education Center for fantastic exhibits, videos, and memorabilia, with welcoming docents to help you make the most of your time there.

> Check out the Rosie the Riveter merchandise – all Trust members receive a 10% discount at the store or online.

> At the Visitor Center, pick up a pass to the Columbia Employee Store (a Trust sponsor!) and score great discounts on Columbia, Mt. Hardware, Prana, and Sorel outdoor gear and apparel.

> Have a meal at the Assemble Marketplace right next door. Open Wednesday to Sunday; for hours and vendors, check assemblemarketplace.com.

> Walk, run, or bike along the Bay on the paved trail that runs right by the Visitor Center. And don’t forget to stop by the Wall of Honor banners to see our home front heroes outdoor exhibit.

PARK EVENTS

Events and dates are subject to change. For up-to-date information, please check out the new events calendar on our website at rosietheriveter.org > The National Park or call the Visitor Education Center at 510-232-5050. The Visitor Center is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm, and entry is free.

New! Filipinos on the WWII Home Front

Second and fourth Thursdays, 2:30 pm

Join retired history professor Jim Davis as he talks about life on the WWII home front for the Filipino community.

Blossoms and Thorns

Fridays and third Saturdays, 2:00 pm Join us for a film screening and Q&A with Flora Ninomiya or James Oshima, who tell their family’s stories of incarceration during WWII. Flora spent her first three years of life inside of a camp, and Jim’s father lived in a camp during the war.

Rosie Fridays

Fridays, 10:30 and 11:30 am

Meet real Rosies who worked on the WWII home

The Pride + Purpose Beer Festival Is Back!

Monday, July 3

Come celebrate with us and sample over 70 beers while enjoying food and live music at our second annual festival, with proceeds benefiting Rosie the Riveter Trust. The festival aims to celebrate lagers, our community, and the National Park.

The event takes place at the iconic Craneway Pavilion and precedes the City of Richmond fireworks show! VIP tickets to the festival include access to a prime fireworks viewing area. All tickets include a taster glass with unlimited beer samples. For tickets and details, scan the QR code or go to rosietheriveter.org > News & Events

(From above) Annamarie Morel; Sarah Pritchard

Rosie the Riveter Trust

P.O. Box 71126

Richmond, CA 94807-1126

Address Service Requested

A sneak peak of what’s inside this issue of The Riveter

4

Immerse yourself in the home front experience from anywhere in the world with our new virtual tour of the Park.

6

We’re thrilled to welcome students back to our Park! Check out what Every Kid Outdoors program is all about.

3

Betty Reid Soskin reminds us that “We Are All Making History.” Celebrate Betty with new merchandise at our gift shop and online.

7

Add Rosie the Riveter Park to your summer bucket list. See our perfect summer day outing and events at the Park.

THE TRUST’S ANNUAL GALA

If It Weren’t for the Rosies…

A look at where we are today because of the Rosies

Saturday, September 23

The Craneway Pavilion, 1414 Harbour Way S., Richmond

Tickets go on sale June 23! For more information, go to rosietheriveter.org > News & Events

The festival is back! See page 7 for more information. Proceeds benefit Rosie the Riveter Trust.