Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park
Discover the powerful stories of women on the WWII home front and Richmond's vital role in the war effort. A tribute to resilience and contribution.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal stories
Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal stories
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the powerful stories of women on the WWII home front and Richmond's vital role in the war effort. A tribute to resilience and contribution.
"It’s incredible how much history was created in Richmond, and rather sad that everything dried up when the plants closed down after WWII."
Check 'Rosie' Schedule
Real 'Rosies' share stories on select days. Check the park's schedule to catch these living historians!
Don't Miss the Film
The visitor center's film offers a powerful overview of women's roles during WWII.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Betty Reid Soskin's Legacy
Visitor Center
Learn about Betty Reid Soskin, the nation's oldest park ranger, who served here until 100. Her dedication preserved the stories of women of color.
The 'Rosie' Experience
Visitor Center & Waterfront
Hear firsthand accounts from real 'Rosies' and volunteers who keep their inspiring WWII home front stories alive.
WWII Home Front Exhibits
Visitor Center
Explore detailed exhibits and films on women's contributions to the war effort and the history of Richmond during WWII.
USS Red Oak Victory
Waterfront
Step aboard a restored WWII Victory ship built in Richmond, a testament to the industrial might of the home front.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Navigating the Site
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check 'Rosie' Schedule
Real 'Rosies' share stories on select days. Check the park's schedule to catch these living historians!
Don't Miss the Film
The visitor center's film offers a powerful overview of women's roles during WWII.
Explore the Waterfront
Walk along the waterfront and visit the USS Red Oak Victory for a tangible connection to wartime production.
Junior Ranger Program
A great option for kids to learn and earn a badge while exploring WWII history.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check 'Rosie' Schedule
Real 'Rosies' share stories on select days. Check the park's schedule to catch these living historians!
Don't Miss the Film
The visitor center's film offers a powerful overview of women's roles during WWII.
Explore the Waterfront
Walk along the waterfront and visit the USS Red Oak Victory for a tangible connection to wartime production.
Junior Ranger Program
A great option for kids to learn and earn a badge while exploring WWII history.
Free Admission & Parking
Enjoy this informative site without cost; parking is also free.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the park for its informative exhibits and the invaluable opportunity to hear stories from real 'Rosies' and dedicated volunteers. The historical significance of Richmond's wartime contributions is highlighted, though some note the poignant contrast with the city's current state. The accessibility and free admission are also frequently mentioned positives.
"Wonderful museum with wonderful staff and guest “Rosies” with great stories to tell! Took the SF Bay Ferry to visit and really loved how detailed and informative the museum is. I highly recommend stopping by, it’s incredible how much history was created in Richmond, and rather sad that everything dried up when the plants closed down after WWII. Richmond is far from the vibrant community and downtown it used to be and it’s devastating to see how great it once was. Regardless, so much has changed since then and history preserves the contradictory past."
Ian
"The visitor center is located at the end of the pier inside the Ford plant compound. Plenty of free parking and free to visit the center. There's a theater with films on the subject of women in manufacturing during WWII and the sequestoring of U.S. citizens of Japanese descent in concentration camps during the war. Upstairs, there are a couple of exhibit spaces and a gift shop. The visitor center also participates in the Junior Ranger program. The history of the mobilization of women and minorities during the war period is fascinating. No doubt the incredible output of ships from the shipyards at Richmond helped to win the war. It also demonstrated how rapidly a skilled workforce could be developed and how women and minorities, which were previously excluded from the economy, could positively impact the needed increase in manufacturing output. It's a shame so many not only immediately lost their jobs the moment the war ended, but were once again marginalized. It's interesting to imagine what the economy could have experienced, and how the intellectual capacity and skilled labor force could have pushed the American economy and society forward if the post-war period had been so regressionary. Worth a visit. An important history of the war period and beyond."
Dan's Inferno
"It's a very interesting and eye opening history Richmond has, It's amazing to realize that boats that were made here in Richmond sailed around the world and where involved in a very important world-changing cause"
Sane RichTown
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is located in Richmond, California. You can drive and park for free at the visitor center, which is situated at the end of a pier within the Ford plant compound. Continue driving around the building to reach the waterside entrance.
Yes, the SF Bay Ferry has a stop that allows visitors to reach the park, offering a scenic route.
From the north guard gate, drive through the large Ford Assembly Plant building and park on the southeast side. Continue to the waterside entrance.
Yes, there is plenty of free parking available at the visitor center.
Absolutely! Richmond offers a mix of nature, history, and culture, making it a great spot for a day trip, with Rosie the Riveter Park being a key historical attraction.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the visitor center and exhibits is free.
Operating hours can vary, so it's best to check the official National Park Service website for the most current information before your visit.
No advance booking is required for general admission to the visitor center.
Yes, the visitor center is wheelchair accessible, with an elevator to the basement and accessible facilities.
Generally, pets are not permitted inside the visitor center or on the USS Red Oak Victory. Service animals are typically allowed. Please check park regulations for specifics.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore exhibits on the WWII home front, watch films, hear stories from real 'Rosies' (on select days), and visit the USS Red Oak Victory ship.
The park hosts events, including celebrations for its anniversary and opportunities to interact with 'Rosies' and volunteers.
Yes, the park offers a Junior Ranger program, which is a fun and educational activity for children.
A visit can range from 1-3 hours, depending on your interest in the exhibits, films, and whether you tour the USS Red Oak Victory.
The 'Rosies' were women who took on industrial jobs in factories and shipyards during WWII, playing a crucial role in the war effort.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The visitor center itself does not typically have a full-service restaurant. It's advisable to bring your own snacks or plan to dine in nearby Richmond.
You can usually bring your own food and drinks to enjoy in designated areas or picnic spots, but check park guidelines.
Richmond has various dining options, from casual eateries to more established restaurants, located a short drive from the park.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the historic visitor center, the waterfront views, the USS Red Oak Victory, and portraits of the 'Rosies' if they are present and agreeable.
General photography for personal use is usually permitted. However, commercial photography or filming may require special permits. Always check with park staff.
It's always best to ask for permission before taking photos of individuals, especially the 'Rosies,' to respect their privacy.
The golden hours (early morning and late afternoon) can offer beautiful lighting, especially along the waterfront.
Drones are generally prohibited in National Parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Check the park's specific drone policy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage your children to ask questions, especially if you have the chance to meet a 'real Rosie.' These personal interactions can make history come alive. The site is accessible, making it easier for families with strollers or young children to navigate. Consider packing snacks and drinks, as on-site dining options are limited.
📚 History Buffs
Pay close attention to the stories of women of color and the broader social and economic changes that occurred due to the war mobilization. Visiting the USS Red Oak Victory adds a tangible element to the industrial history. Don't miss the chance to learn about Betty Reid Soskin's incredible career and her impact on preserving diverse historical narratives.
👩🏫 Educators
Consider incorporating the Junior Ranger program into your visit for younger students. The park's accessibility and free admission make it an attractive option for school field trips. Planning your visit around days when 'Rosies' are scheduled to be present will maximize the educational impact.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Inspiring Legacy of Betty Reid Soskin
+2Soskin's memoir and public programs highlighted the importance of understanding history to shape a better future. Her tenure at the park was a testament to her passion for history and her commitment to inclusivity. Visitors often spoke of her wisdom and the profound impact of her personal accounts, making her a beloved and integral part of the park's identity. Her retirement at 100 marked the end of an era, but her legacy continues to inspire.
Her story is a powerful reminder of the diverse individuals who contributed to the war effort and the ongoing need to preserve and share all aspects of our history. The park continues to honor her spirit by emphasizing the stories of all those who worked on the home front.
Experiencing the 'Rosie' Stories
Volunteers, affectionately known as 'Rosie Wranglers,' assist these remarkable women in telling their stories, ensuring that this vital piece of living history is preserved for future generations. Hearing directly from those who lived through this era provides an unparalleled connection to the past, offering insights into the challenges, triumphs, and daily lives of those on the home front.
While the presence of 'real Rosies' is not guaranteed every day, checking the park's schedule in advance can help you plan your visit to coincide with these special opportunities. Their presence transforms the exhibits from static displays into dynamic, personal narratives, making the history incredibly impactful and memorable.
Richmond's Wartime Industrial Powerhouse
This industrial boom transformed Richmond into a bustling center of production, attracting workers from across the nation. The park's exhibits and the presence of the USS Red Oak Victory, a ship built in these very shipyards, serve as powerful reminders of this era. The sheer scale of production and the mobilization of a diverse workforce, including women and minorities, underscore the immense contribution of the home front to the Allied victory.
Beyond the shipbuilding, the area also housed other vital war industries. The park's narrative extends to the broader impact of the war on the community, including the challenges faced by Japanese Americans who were interned during the war, a topic also covered in the visitor center's films.
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