Be advised that the NPS has issued alerts for this park.
Occasional Phone and Internet Issues
We are still experiencing occasional ongoing internet and phone outages beyond our control. We remain open and can usually receive calls and email but there may be some delays. If you are trying to reach us, please call 925-812-6164.
Celebrate and honor the contributions and sacrifices of American civilians on the WWII home front. Discover how diverse communities lived, worked, and interacted. Many faces, many stories, many truths, weave a rich tapestry of experiences from th...
Atchison Village was built by the U.S. government to house the first influx of workers for the new Kaiser shipyards in 1941.
The houses in Atchison Village reflect the practical and functional architectural style typical of wartime housing developments. Built in 1941, these homes were designed to provide comfortable and efficient living spaces for the influx of workers and their families during World War II. Here are the key features of these historic homes: The houses in Atchison Village are primarily single-story structures, constructed in a simple, utilitarian style that emphasizes functionality over ornamentation. The architectural design is influenced by the Minimal Traditional style, which was popular during the 1930s and 1940s. - Construction Materials: The homes are built using durable materials such as wood and stucco, ensuring they could withstand the demands of time and use. - Roofing: The roofs are typically low-pitched gable roofs, covered with asphalt shingles. The simplicity of the roof design reflects the overall minimalist approach to the architecture. - Windows: Large, multi-pane windows are a prominent feature, allowing ample natural light to enter the homes. The windows are often double-hung with simple wood or metal frames. - Entrances: Each house has a modest, functional entrance, often with a small porch or stoop. The entrances are designed for practicality, providing easy access to the homes. - Yards: The houses are set back from the street, featuring small front yards and larger backyards. These yards were designed to provide residents with personal outdoor space, enhancing the livability of the homes. - Living Spaces: Inside, the homes typically feature a straightforward layout with a living room, kitchen, and one or more bedrooms. The living spaces are designed to be compact yet comfortable, accommodating the needs of small families. - Kitchens: The kitchens are practical and efficient, equipped with the essential appliances and storage spaces needed for daily meal preparation. - Bedrooms: The bedrooms are modest in size but sufficient for the needs of the era, providing a private space for rest and relaxation. - Bathrooms: Each home includes a functional bathroom, designed to meet the basic needs of the occupants. - Neighborhood Layout: Atchison Village is organized in a grid pattern, with homes arranged along tree-lined streets. This layout fosters a sense of community and accessibility, making it easy for residents to interact with their neighbors. - Shared Spaces: In addition to individual homes, the village includes shared community spaces such as parks, playgrounds, and a community center, enhancing the overall quality of life for residents. Overall, the houses in Atchison Village are a great example of practical and community-focused design principles of wartime housing. They provide a glimpse into the living conditions and architectural trends of the 1940s, reflecting the efforts to create stable and supportive environments for the workers who contributed to the war effort. The preservation of these homes allows visitors to appreciate their historical significance and the enduring legacy of Atchison Village.
TThis park is dedicated to Barbara Vincent and her husband Jay who campaigned for public access to 33 miles of Richmond’s shoreline primarily owned by private industry in the 1950s. Together they spearheaded the creation of many coastal access points, including Point Isabel, Point Pinole, and the Bay Trail. The park site once was part of Kaiser Shipyard No. 2 and is now home to the Liberty Ship Monument describing WWII shipyard worker experiences.
This historic Cafeteria building is part of the Kaiser Shipyard No. 3, from the WWII Home Front.
The historic Kaiser Shipyard Cafeteria is a low-slung, single-story structure with a functional, utilitarian design typical of wartime architecture. The building features a simple, rectangular layout constructed with wood-frame materials, painted in a muted greenish-blue color that blends with the surrounding environment. The exterior walls are plain, with minimal decorative elements, reflecting the practical purpose of the building during its time of operation. Large, horizontal windows line the walls, although some have been boarded up to preserve the structure while preventing damage or unauthorized entry. The roof is flat, adding to the straightforward, no-frills appearance of the building. At the entrance, a small overhang provides some shelter, leading to a modest porch area with a few steps. The entrance itself is understated, emphasizing the building’s original role as a functional space for workers rather than a grand architectural statement. In front of the cafeteria, there is an informative historical marker titled "War Boomtown." This marker features images and text that offer visitors insights into the significance of the site and its role during the war. The marker is set on a distinctive, rust-colored metal pedestal, shaped to catch the eye and draw attention to the historical information it presents. Surrounding the cafeteria, the grounds are modestly maintained, with patches of grass and a few trees providing a natural backdrop. The overall setting conveys a sense of quiet historical reverence, inviting visitors to reflect on the important role this building played in supporting the war effort and the well-being of the workers who spent their breaks and meals there. The physical appearance of the Kaiser Shipyard Cafeteria, with its simple, utilitarian design, stands as a poignant reminder of the era it represents, offering a tangible connection to the past and the daily lives of those who contributed to the wartime shipbuilding efforts.
Opened in 1930, this cannery “barely made it through” the Great Depression, according to its founder Joseph Perrelli. World War II brought new contracts to supply tomatoes and fruits to the military and allowed the cannery to hire 1,200 workers during peak season.
The Filice and Perrelli Cannery, located in Richmond, California, is a prominent historical structure that reflects the industrial heritage of the area. Established in 1930 by Joseph Perrelli, the cannery became an essential part of Richmond's economic landscape, especially during the challenging times of the Great Depression and World War II. Facade: The building features a striking facade with a central arched entrance that adds a sense of grandeur to the industrial structure. The entrance is framed by two stately palm trees, which contribute to the building’s imposing and distinguished appearance. Signage: Above the arched entrance, the name "The Cannery" is prominently displayed, making it clear to all visitors and passersby of its historical and functional significance. The signage is simple yet effective, adding to the building's overall aesthetic without overwhelming its industrial character. Windows: The front of the building is adorned with large, multi-pane windows that allow ample natural light to enter the interior spaces. These windows are arranged in a grid pattern, typical of industrial buildings from the early 20th century. The extensive use of glass provides a visual connection between the interior and exterior, emphasizing transparency and openness. Landscaping: The area surrounding the cannery is well-maintained, featuring manicured shrubs and low-lying plants that complement the building’s clean lines and robust structure. The presence of the palm trees not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also provides a sense of place, linking the building to its Californian setting. Walkways and Accessibility: A paved walkway leads up to the main entrance, ensuring easy access for visitors. The steps leading to the arched doorway are wide and inviting, creating a welcoming entrance to the historical building.
The First Aid Station building is part of the historic Shipyard No.3 in Richmond, California.
The First Aid Station at Kaiser Shipyard No. 3 is a single-story building that exemplifies the functional and pragmatic design typical of wartime structures. The building features a clean, streamlined design with a flat roof and horizontal layout. The exterior is characterized by its simple, rectangular form and unadorned façade, emphasizing practicality and efficiency. Large, horizontal windows line the upper portion of the walls, allowing ample natural light to illuminate the interior spaces. These windows are framed by metal muntins, creating a grid-like pattern that adds a subtle architectural detail to the otherwise plain exterior. The entrance to the First Aid Station is marked by a modest overhang, providing some shelter for those entering and exiting the building. A ramp and steps lead up to the main door, ensuring accessibility for all workers. The surrounding area is paved, with clearly marked pathways and parking spaces for easy access.
Out of the three wartime tank depots in the United States, the Ford Assembly Building is the only surviving structure. The Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant in Richmond, California, was the largest assembly plant to be built on the West Coast and its conversion to wartime production during World War II aided the Nation's war effort.
The Ford Assembly Plant is a large, historic brick building with many offices and manufacturers that currently occupy a space of over 400,000 square feet. There are hundreds of windows on both the top and bottom floor that stretch along both sides of the mostly rectangular building. Photo:The photo depicts the entrance to the Visitor Center & Ford Assembly Plant, which is part of the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, California. The building showcases its historical brick exterior, large industrial windows, and green trim that hints at its industrial past. The sign in the foreground prominently features the National Park Service logo and the name of the Visitor Center & Ford Assembly Plant, making it clear that this site is part of the national historical park dedicated to honoring the contributions of American workers during World War II. The building's substantial size and classic industrial architecture are visible, highlighting its role as a former assembly plant that produced military vehicles during the war. In the background, the expanse of the building is visible, along with a well-maintained lawn and a clear blue sky, giving a sense of the preserved and repurposed nature of this historical site. The photo also shows a pathway leading to the entrance, inviting visitors to explore the rich history within.
This building is part of the historic Shipyard No. 3, in Richmond, CA.
The General Warehouse at Kaiser Shipyard No. 3 is a massive, imposing four-story structure that epitomizes the industrial architecture of its time. The building is constructed primarily of concrete, giving it a robust and durable appearance necessary for the rigorous demands of wartime shipbuilding operations. The most striking feature of the warehouse is its sheer size and the smooth, almost monolithic surfaces of its concrete walls. The building has a utilitarian design, with minimal decorative elements, reflecting its practical purpose. The façade is relatively plain, but its vastness and the uniformity of its surfaces create a powerful visual impact. Large, flat surfaces dominate the exterior, interrupted only by a few small windows and access points. These small windows and doors are strategically placed for functionality, emphasizing the building's role as a storage and distribution hub. The ground level features multiple loading bays, designed to facilitate the easy movement of goods and materials in and out of the warehouse. The corners of the building are rounded, a design choice that adds a subtle touch of modernist architectural influence and enhances the aerodynamic feel of the structure. This design is functional, reducing wind resistance and potentially aiding in the longevity of the building by minimizing sharp edges where wear and tear could accumulate. At the base, the warehouse features an extended canopy-like structure that provides shelter for loading and unloading activities. This overhang also serves to protect the entrances and lower walls from the elements, ensuring that operations could continue in all weather conditions. The General Warehouse's concrete exterior has weathered over the years, showing signs of age and graffiti, which add to its historic character. Despite these marks of time, the building stands as a testament to the robust construction techniques of the WWII era and the critical role it played in the shipyard's operations. The expansive parking area surrounding the warehouse highlights the scale of the operations that once took place here, accommodating the large number of workers and vehicles required to support the shipyard's bustling activities. Overall, the General Warehouse is a monumental structure that embodies the industrial strength and functional design principles of its time. It serves as a powerful reminder of the logistical and operational challenges faced and overcome during the war, providing a tangible link to the past and the monumental efforts of the workers who contributed to the Allied victory.
This program is part of an introduction to the history of the park and the WWII Home Front. You can listen to it at home, while driving, before your visit to the park visitor center or as part of the official NPS App driving tour. These files are also available as a free download on our website and can be a great educational tool for your classroom.
This audio program does not have a location to describe.
One of the entrances to the Miraflores park trail is located at the map point. The area has been redeveloped to include this park and a housing area. Visitors are advised to always be mindful of parking and exploring any location.
Greenbelt and Open Spaces: The project includes expansive green areas that provide recreational opportunities and enhance the urban environment. The greenbelt is designed to support local biodiversity and offer a peaceful retreat for residents and visitors. Historic Preservation: The redevelopment has preserved and restored several historic nursery buildings, including the Sakai house, water tank, water tower, and greenhouses. These structures have been relocated and adapted for modern use, serving as a tangible link to the area's past. Interpretive Elements: Throughout the park, interpretive signs and displays tell the story of the Japanese American nursery families and their contributions to Richmond's history. These elements provide educational insights and foster an appreciation for the cultural heritage of the site. Community Amenities: The development includes 190 residential units, featuring both market rate homes and affordable housing options. The integration of housing with green spaces and historic elements creates a balanced and sustainable community. Environmental Restoration: Efforts have been made to restore natural features, such as creek restoration, to enhance the ecological health of the area. This focus on sustainability aligns with broader environmental goals and improves the overall quality of life for residents.
This program is part of an introduction to the history of the park and the WWII Home Front. You can listen to it at home, while driving, before your visit to the park visitor center or as part of the official NPS App driving tour. These files are also available as a free download on our website and can be a great educational tool for your classroom.
This audio program describes historical background in the country and Richmond, California on the WWII Home Front.
The Field Hospital at this location opened with only ten beds. Later additions increased its capacity to 160 beds by 1944. It was the second tier of emergency treatment for those injured at the yards, with the first tier being a clinic on-site that administered first aid. If the patient needed serious care, he or she was taken to the Kaiser Hospital in Oakland. It operated as a Kaiser Permanente hospital until closing in 1995. The building is now privately owned.
The Kaiser Field Hospital, a significant historical landmark, is an excellent example of mid-20th-century medical facility design, embodying both functionality and modern architectural aesthetics of its time. This facility played a crucial role during World War II, providing essential medical care to the workers of the Richmond Kaiser Shipyards. Facade: The front façade of the hospital is notable for its clean, modern lines and practical design. The building's entrance is marked by a prominent flat-roofed portico supported by slender, cylindrical columns. This design element not only adds to the aesthetic appeal of the building but also provides shelter for those entering and exiting the facility. Signage: The name "Richmond Field Hospital" is prominently displayed above the entrance, clearly identifying the building's purpose. This signage is complemented by a large, recognizable red cross emblem mounted on the upper section of the building, reinforcing its identity as a medical facility. Windows: The front of the hospital features large, horizontally oriented windows that allow natural light to flood the interior spaces. These windows are flanked by vertical blinds, which offer both privacy and control over the amount of sunlight entering the building. Landscaping: The hospital was surrounded by well-maintained landscaping, including neatly trimmed shrubs and small trees that enhance the overall appearance of the site. A paved walkway led up to the main entrance, bordered by additional greenery that adds a welcoming touch to the facility. Setting: The hospital is situated within a broader complex of buildings, which includes additional medical facilities and administrative offices. This setting underscores the hospital's role as part of a larger network of healthcare services provided to the shipyard workers and their families. Originally opening with just ten beds, the hospital rapidly expanded to accommodate up to 160 patients by 1944. This expansion reflects the growing need for comprehensive medical care as the shipyard workforce swelled during the war years. The hospital served as the second tier of emergency treatment, with initial care provided by on-site clinics at the shipyards. Although the hospital ceased operations as a medical facility in 1995, the building still stands today and is privately owned. Its continued presence serves as a poignant reminder of the innovative healthcare solutions developed during World War II and their lasting impact on American society.
Macdonald Avenue is a main street in Richmond, that can be driven by visitors. There is no specific location to point out, but there are five markers
Macdonald Avenue is a main street for Richmond, California. A series of five landmarks are placed along the avenue. Visitors may drive along or explore the main downtown area by foot.
Maritime Child Development Center, part of WWII Home Front child care history.
The Maritime Child Development Center building is a striking example of mid-20th-century architecture, meticulously restored to preserve its historical significance while serving modern purposes. The building’s design reflects a blend of functionalism and simplicity, typical of structures built during the World War II era. The building is a two-story structure with a clean, streamlined appearance. The façade is characterized by its horizontal lines and practical design, emphasizing functionality and efficiency. The exterior walls are painted in a combination of cream and brown tones, creating a warm and inviting look that blends well with the surrounding landscape. Large windows are a prominent feature of the building, allowing ample natural light to flood the interior spaces. These windows are framed by simple, white trims that add a touch of elegance to the otherwise utilitarian design. The upper floors of the building are slightly cantilevered, providing additional shade and architectural interest. The surrounding grounds are well-maintained, with neatly trimmed shrubs and trees that add to the aesthetic appeal of the site. The mature trees provide a natural canopy, offering shade and enhancing the building’s connection to the environment. A paved sidewalk leads up to the entrance, ensuring easy access for visitors. Prominently displayed near the entrance is a large, brown sign with white lettering that reads "Maritime Child Development Center." The sign is supported by sturdy metal posts and features the logos of the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park and the National Park Service, indicating its historical and educational significance.
As thousands of workers streamed into Richmond, both public and private entities struggled to keep the city’s burgeoning population housed, healthy, and highly productive. The huge explosion of workers coming to live in Richmond caused intense strain on city infrastructure.
This audio tour does not have a specific location to describe.
The photo shows Nystrom Elementary School, a well-maintained, modern-looking building with clean lines and a welcoming entrance. The exterior is painted in a light color, with large, rectangular windows that allow natural light to flood the interior spaces. The entrance is marked by a set of stairs leading up to the main doors, with metal railings for safety. The school's name, "Nystrom Elementary School," is prominently displayed above the entrance. The surrounding landscaping includes neatly trimmed bushes and plants, adding to the school's inviting appearance.
Nystrom Village is a group of 51 single-story homes that was part of worker housing from the WWII Home Front. Visitors may drive through the area that is situated on Maine, Virginia and Florida avenues between 13th and 16th. Please be mindful or current residents.
The photograph depicts a typical single-story duplex in Nystrom Village, a historically significant housing complex in Richmond, California. The duplex features a simple, utilitarian design typical of the wartime housing built to accommodate the influx of workers during World War II. In the foreground, there is a concrete pathway leading to the front entrance of the duplex, which has a sturdy black metal railing for accessibility. The entrance is marked by a black metal security door, and next to it is a window with neatly drawn curtains, indicating a well-maintained residence. The exterior walls are painted a light color, enhancing the modest charm of the building. The duplex is surrounded by a well-kept garden with neatly trimmed bushes and flowering plants, adding a touch of greenery to the setting. A large, mature tree provides shade, and there is another building partially visible to the left, suggesting the communal layout of Nystrom Village. The overall scene is one of a peaceful, residential area that continues to serve the community while preserving its historical significance.
The Richmond Fire Station is still an active station, after surviving from the WWII years. It served to protect the shipyards on the Home Front.
Richmond Fire Station 67, also known as Fire Station 7, located at 1131 Cutting Boulevard, is a well-preserved example of mid-20th-century civic architecture. The building is a two-story structure designed with functionality and efficiency in mind. The exterior is characterized by clean, straightforward lines and the use of durable materials such as concrete and stucco. The building is painted in a neutral beige color, which is both practical and visually unassuming. The front façade is dominated by three large, red bay doors that provide access to the fire engine bays. These doors are designed for quick and easy deployment of emergency vehicles. Above the bay doors, the building features a horizontal row of windows, which allow natural light to enter the interior spaces. The windows are simple and rectangular, with black frames that contrast with the beige exterior. The main entrance to the station is to the left of the bay doors, marked by a smaller red door, which matches the bay doors and adds a cohesive visual element to the design. The roof is flat, with a slightly raised section above the engine bays that houses additional facilities and offices. This upper level also features windows that provide natural light and ventilation to the interior spaces.
The Richmond Bay Trail is 8 miles of trail that runs along the WWII Home Front bay. The trail extends many miles beyond Richmond and is a great place to walk or bike.
The Bay trail runs for many miles through the Bay Area waterfront but 8 miles of it is in on the Richmond bay. The trail runs in front of the park's visitor center.
The photo shows the Rosie the Riveter Memorial, a significant historical monument located in Richmond, California. The memorial is designed as a shipyard structure, symbolizing the contribution of women during World War II. Its principal feature is a walkway representing the length of a ship's keel, which slopes towards the San Francisco Bay and aligns with the Golden Gate Bridge. The walkway is inscribed with a timeline about the home front and quotes from women workers sandblasted into white granite, capturing their experiences and contributions. Sculptural elements of stainless steel, inspired by ship blueprints, represent the unfinished forms of a hull, stack, and stern under construction. These elements are encountered along the walkway, giving a sense of the industrial environment in which the women worked. Two gardens are located at the memorial, one featuring rockrose and the other dune grass, symbolizing the ship's fore and aft hatches. Porcelain enamel panels on the hull and stack display memorabilia, letters, and photographs collected from former shipyard workers, along with images of women working in various roles across the nation. The memorial was designed by visual artist Susan Schwartzenberg and landscape architect/environmental sculptor Cheryl Barton. It honors and describes the important contributions of American women during WWII, illustrating the opportunities, challenges, and hardships they faced, including gender discrimination, hazardous working conditions, and shortages of housing and childcare. The campaign to establish the memorial was led by Chairwoman Donna Powers, and it was commissioned by the City of Richmond and the Richmond Redevelopment Agency.
The Rosie the Riveter Visitor Education Center, part of the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park. The visitor center is located at the historic Ford Assembly Plant in Richmond, California.
The Visitor Education Center is part of the historic Ford Building complex. It is housed in a separate building, which was the historic "Oil House". The building is brick with two stories, but three levels. All areas in the building are wheelchair accessible. There are two large main galleries in the upstairs area, as well as a theater, classroom and restrooms in the basement level.
The SS Red Oak Victory Ship is the last surviving ship built in the Kaiser Shipyards, and is owned by the non-profit Richmond Museum Association. Today, the Red Oak Victory remains a monument to the men and women who worked in war related industries as part of the World War II Home Front. In 1998, the ship was saved from the Naval Reserve Fleet in Suisun Bay by a courageous group of men and women and has been under restoration since that time.
The historic SS Red Oak Victory ship is currently housed in basin #5, in shipyard 3, in Richmond, CA. The surrounding area in an industrial location, resting by the bay. The ship is 455 feet (139 m) in length, and armed with one five-inch/38 caliber gun; one three-inch/50 caliber gun, and eight 20 mm guns.
This building is located in the historic Shipyard No. 3 in Richmond, California.
The historic Sheet Metal Shop, Rigger Loft, and Paint Shop building at Kaiser Shipyard No. 3 is a single-story structure that exemplifies the utilitarian design and industrial functionality of wartime construction. Built between 1941 and 1942, this building was a crucial component of the shipyard's operations, supporting the assembly of prefabricated ship parts necessary for the production of Liberty and Victory ships during World War II. The building's exterior is constructed from corrugated metal, a material chosen for its durability and cost-effectiveness. The façade is painted a muted gray, with areas showing signs of rust and weathering, adding to its historic character. Large, multi-pane windows line the walls, allowing ample natural light to penetrate the interior workspace. These windows are divided into grids by metal muntins, typical of industrial buildings from this era. The main entrance is marked by a large, roll-up metal door, providing easy access for transporting materials and finished components in and out of the building. Adjacent to the roll-up door is a standard entry door, painted a vibrant red, offering a stark contrast to the otherwise subdued color palette of the building. Above each entrance, are bold, white lettering which separately spells out "SHEET METAL," "PAINTING", and "RIGGERS LOFT", clearly identifying the building's primary function.
Shimada Friendship (Peace) Park is situated by the bay in Richmond, California. Shimada Japan is the official Sister City of Richmond.
Shimada Friendship Park is a scenic three-acre park located along the shoreline of Richmond, California. This park commemorates the sister city relationship established in 1961 between the City of Richmond and Shimada, Japan. The park provides a peaceful setting with panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay and is designed to celebrate friendship and cultural exchange. Key Features at the park are as follows: 1. Central Stone Monuments: - The park features three large, irregularly shaped stone monuments positioned on a grassy lawn near the water's edge. - The central stone, which stands upright, has the word "Friendship" inscribed in red kanji characters and features a blue outline of Japan carved into its surface. - This stone is flanked by two smaller stones, which are placed on either side, slightly tilted, and weathered, adding to the natural aesthetic. 2. Pathways and Accessibility: - A stone-paved pathway leads from the main walkway to the central stone monument. The path is made of flat, irregular stones set closely together, providing a stable walking surface. - The pathway ensures accessibility for visitors, guiding them from the entrance of the park to the centerpiece monuments. 3. Scenic Views and Surroundings: - The park is situated directly on the shoreline, offering unobstructed views of the San Francisco Bay. - The landscape includes a grassy area with various types of small bushes and native plants that enhance the natural beauty of the park. - In the distance, visitors can see the rolling hills and urban skyline of the surrounding Bay Area. 4. Atmosphere and Ambiance: - The park is designed to be a place of tranquility and reflection, with the gentle sounds of the bay waters and the rustling of leaves from nearby plants and trees. - The open, grassy areas and carefully placed monuments create a sense of spaciousness and openness. Shimada Friendship Park not only serves as a place for leisure and contemplation but also stands as a symbol of international friendship and cultural exchange between Richmond and Shimada. The natural and thoughtfully designed elements of the park provide a serene environment for visitors to enjoy.
This program is part of an introduction to the history of the park and the WWII Home Front. You can listen to it at home, while driving, before your visit to the park visitor center or as part of the official NPS App driving tour. These files are also available as a free download on our website and can be a great educational tool for your classroom.
This audio program does not have a location to describe.
This is an audio program for Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park. It is part of a series of programs meant for off-site learning, driving tours of Richmond, and can be used for teachers.
This audio program does not have any locations to describe outside of the information in the program, itself.
The Whirley Crane is part of the WWII Home Front historic location of Shipyard No. #3 and was used for building ships and moving heavy objects around.
The Whirley Crane, a towering piece of industrial machinery, is a remarkable structure both in terms of its size and its engineering design. This crane, which played a crucial role in the rapid shipbuilding efforts during World War II, is characterized by several distinct physical features: Height and Frame: The crane stands on four massive steel legs, each extending upward to support a boxcar-like cabin that houses the crane's operating mechanisms. The entire structure reaches heights comparable to a 10-story building, making it a prominent feature on the waterfront skyline. Boom and Arm: The most striking aspect of the Whirley Crane is its long, angled boom, which extends outward and upward from the main body. This boom is composed of a latticework of steel beams, providing the necessary strength and stability to lift heavy loads. The boom's ability to rotate 360 degrees, which gives the crane its name, allows it to maneuver large components with precision. Cabin: The operator's cabin, located near the top of the structure, is a large, boxcar-like unit that provides space for the controls and machinery required to operate the crane. This cabin is mounted on a rotating platform, enabling the crane to pivot in all directions. Pulleys and Cables: The crane is equipped with a complex system of pulleys and steel cables, which are essential for lifting and moving heavy loads. These cables run along the length of the boom and are used to hoist materials from the ground to the required height. Base and Stability: The base of the Whirley Crane is designed to provide maximum stability. The wide stance of its legs and the heavy steel construction ensure that the crane remains steady even when lifting its maximum load of 166,000 pounds. Rotational Ability: The crane's defining feature is its ability to turn a full 360 degrees. This rotation is facilitated by the rotating platform beneath the cabin, allowing the crane to access materials and ship components in any direction without needing to be repositioned. Lifting Capacity: The crane's robust design and powerful lifting mechanisms enable it to handle extremely heavy loads, which was critical for assembling large sections of ships quickly and efficiently.
Audio program overview of the why Richmond, California was chosen as this national park location.
This audio product is describing the reason why the national park was chosen to be placed in the city of Richmond, California. There are no physical locations to describe in this specific file.
Many people who actively supported women’s rights supported the abolition of slavery. Several participants in the 1848 First Women’s Rights Convection in Seneca Falls, New York had already labored in the antislavery movement. The organizers and their families, the Motts, Wrights, Stantons, M’Clintocks, and Hunts, were active abolitionists to a greater or lesser degree. Frederick Douglass, noted abolitionist and former slave, attended and addressed the 1848 convention.
The Rosie the Riveter Visitor Education Center is the perfect starting point for exploring Richmond's WWII Home Front. Visitors can immerse themselves in films, interactive exhibits, and programs that provide a rich overview of the historic sites and stories from the era.
The SS Red Oak Victory Ship is the last surviving ship built in the Kaiser Shipyards, and is owned by the non-profit Richmond Museum Association.
Self-Guided Tours - Historic Sites
The City of Richmond, California houses multiple sites that are of historical significance to the WWII Home Front. Many of the old buildings and sites can only be viewed from the street. The park can help describe any buildings or sites that are of interest.
Visitor Education Center
The Visitor Education Center for the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park provides films, interactive exhibits and more. We recommend making this your first stop when visiting our park.
Tours
Count: 7
All Sites - Driving/Audio Tour
We recommend starting with the "Learn at Home" group before beginning this tour. Each tour starts by selecting "Start Audio Tour" at the bottom of the screen, or you can choose specific stops from the list. Tap the play button, represented by a green circle with a right-facing triangle, to start the audio. Swipe left to access the next stop's directions and GPS icon, and swipe again to move to the next audio for that stop. Please Note: Stop 1-4 can be walked to from the visitor center.
Directions to Visitor Center
Use this guide to navigate to the park visitor center. An accompanying audio file is available with this "tour" to provide additional details about locating the visitor center and parking options. Press the "Start Audio Tour" button to listen to the program before you start your journey.
Learn At Home
Press the "Start Audio Tour" button to begin. Press the play icon for each program. Swipe left to continue program. We hope you enjoy these audio programs that provide an engaging way of learning about the historic WWII Home Front as well as some of the challenges and successes that the country faced. Headphones are recommended for better immersion. This app will also broadcast on your car's audio system when streaming capabilities are available.
Rosie Ride Ferry Programs
Select "Start Audio Tour" and swipe through each program, once it has finished. We've selected this group of audio programs for you to enjoy on your ferry ride between San Francisco and Richmond. These programs highlight some of the WWII Home Front history, such as the Richmond Shipyards , Ford Assembly building and our park visitor center. These are areas that you will see during your journey, and will hopefully inspire you to visit. Note: The NPS does not run or provide ferry service.
Rosie the Riveter Memorial
Please click "Start Audio Tour". to begin . Press the play button, which is indicated by a green circle with a right-facing triangle. We encourage you to listen to this program at the memorial, however, you may also enjoy it at home or in your classroom. This audio file runs just under 3 minutes.
Shipyard No. 3 Tour
Welcome to the self-guided audio tour for Shipyard No. 3. Before you make your way to the designated location, please listen to the first audio program on this tour. You can begin by pressing "Start Audio Tour". Please be aware that the SS Red Oak Victory Ship is only available to board on Sundays between 10am-4pm. However, you may still see the ship and other historic markers on this tour, from the outside, during other days of the week. Ship boarding has a $10 suggested donation. Parking is free.
Walkable from the Visitor Center
This group of locations can be visited within walking distance from our visitor center. The longest distance is about a 20-minute walk, each way, on a flat surface. We recommend that you take your ear buds for the audio programs, due to the outside wind, but you should be able to hear on a phone with a good speaker. It may be windy and cool by the water, so dress appropriately. Click the "Start Audio Program" button and swipe left for each stop and audio program.
