rosie the riveter/world war ii home front national historical park

770randyl

Much of the material found in this museum should be required text in history books used by our high school students. Nowhere else have I found such a fascinating recounting of the contributions made by women during World War II. The movies are fascinating as well. Be sure to see the one on the Port of Chicago disaster during the war if the site itself is not open. Extremely well done!

224barryw

We spent an hour at this museum a few weeks ago, and really enjoyed ourselves. The Museum has some wonderful WW2 exhibits, a fine movie to view, great bathrooms (the entire museum is new), and the views are OUTSTANDING. After our visit, we spent another hour walking around the area, which has some of the best views of San Francisco, Marin, and the Bay. This is a very inexpensive way to spend a few hours surrounded by beauty, and there is hardly a sole around,so it feels like you're alone.

ronr491

What a terrific review of life in the Richmond area in the 40's. You will be surprised by how the Kaiser's ship building was leading the way... change was born here. It's a life lesson.

MusicMajor

How many folks who visit this fantastic new National Historical Park lived through WW 11 and can remember it? We were young children, living Back East, and had no idea about this fascinating chapter in American history until we visited the park. We sat in on two special presentations. The first was given by Betty, a 93 year old African-American National Park ranger who shared her first hand experiences and the second was a Japanese-American gentleman who described the experiences of his community during the years of internment. This absolutely FREE museum is bite-size and loaded with fascinating exhibits. If time permits, also visit the Victory Ship (with a small admission fee), a short drive away.

52junek

I've taken friends three different times to visit this museum. On Friday's the Rosie's talk from 10-12 and 1-2. Totally amazing that they are older and still continue to tell their story. A lot of it changed each time, depending upon the questions asked by the visitors. Definitely a not to miss place and go soon.....

jfadds

Great new site to visit with so much to absorb. Learn how the shipyards allowed women and minorities to contribute to the war effort and earn their place in what had been a men only environment. Great ranger team here- take advanage of their knowledge. And do not miss the 2 movies to set the stage. See them first.

agdwsu

For us, this site was a little difficult to find. The brown "Rosie the Riveter" NPS sign is located at the front of a complex of buildings (the former Ford plant), but the actual museum/Visitor's Center is at the back of the complex and requires a drive behind this area and past other buildings and businesses. We were confused until we asked a security guard in a shack near the sign who then gave us directions.The Rosie the Riveter museum had brand new exhibits and a nice little gift shop. It's not a huge museum, but you could definitely spend 1-2 hours just looking at all of the photos, artifacts, and interactive exhibits. The information was interesting and the way it was presented would appeal to a variety of audiences.There is a 25 minute film that introduces visitors to the significance of Richmond to WWII and the historical context. Seeing the film is definitely worth the time.The rangers were very helpful and friendly. They were knowledgeable about this site and others in the area. They recommended a visit to the Red Oak Victory ship, which we really enjoyed and which complemented the visit to Rosie the Riveter.

171dantem

This National Park is right on the waterfront in Richmond, offers direct views of San Francisco, and is FREE! Open 362 days a year.Great visitors center with some wonderful exhibits and awesome films about the Home Front during the war, as well as Richmond in particular. The center is right next to a BEAUTIFUL restored Ford Model A Assembly Plant, which also has a great restaurant inside.You can also drive to some of the other parts of the park, including a ship from the era and some of the shipbuilding facilities. Overall: Great, free place to visit and learn about Bay Area history. Take the day and go check it out!

399stellam

This is a bit out of the way from usual tourist destinations, but if you like history this is a great little exhibit. Helps to personalize the WWII experience from the home front perspective. Includes the struggles of women, and racial/ethnic groups. Exhibit reviews role of labor unions and corporations in the defense industry. Take the time to view the an excellent film about 25 minutes long. Exhibit is totally accessible for anyone in a wheelchair. This visitor center is close to the marina and we also took some time walking along the trail with lovely views. There are restaurants close by but we did not have time to visit them.

elgreco251

Interested in a little WW II history? This gem of a museum is just the ticket. On the waterfront, the building is part of a complex where Ford built jeeps and other WW II vehicles. In addition to the factory complex, the museum offers a glimpse into the history of Richmond, CA and it's place in the history of WWII preparations and racial diversity then and now. The museum itself has a number of interactive exhibits and displays to help one understand the impact on the community; how people were drawn to the region because of the war effort and development of the community, how people were affected directly by the war, the tremendous impact of women in helping the war industries and what life was like for families during the war. It certainly opened our eyes greatly. Kudos to the National Park Service for having created a memorable and effective informational and cultural museum. The exhibits and films presented are memorable and of the highest order. Thank you.

Lovespicy

The museum has great exhibits and a movie downstairs. This is one of my favorite museums. Assemble being next door is a plus.

karenrL5276AA

The park is lovely--that's what's in the picture.But don't forget to go to the visitor center, too. There's a restaurant nearby, and it's very close to the Craneway Pavilion.www.nps.gov/rori/1414 Harbour Way South #3000, Richmond, CA 94804(510) 232-5050Karen R.

3PeterS

First of all -admission is free. This is a National Park. Restaurant next door.The exhibits are modest because the main story is covered in a series of movies and talks. This is the history of what was happening in the USA while the fighting was far away. Rosie is a symbol of many women who were in the factories. Richmond was a shipbuilding place, so the local angle focuses on boats. The story is really national. Also, this museum is balanced - there are movies about "bad" stuff. The memory of moving Japanese families away is presented. The explosion at Port Chicago will be a surprise as its aftermath is ugly.Spend a half- day. Well worth your time.

ShondaD281

I took my students to learn about WW 2 and the ways in which the war put the city of Richmond on the map. There are also informative lectures and films. My young students learned a great deal about War effort, Japanese prison camps and racism.

795PatrickL

Very interesting history and a beautiful park with amazing views. Best of all it's free! While your there be sure to visit the Assemble for lunch or dinner.