Did you know the most recognized American woman to serve during World War ll didn't really exist? Rosie the Riveter was a fictional character fabricated to encourage women to go to work during a labor shortage created by the enlistment and draft of American men.
Woman's History Month is a perfect time to recognize the contributions of the real women who worked in the factories and shipyards during World War II.
We have gathered some excellent resources and fieldtrip ideas for you to use with your student(s).
To start, we suggest watching the Library Of Congress produced video exploring the evolution of Rosie the Riveter and the lives of real women workers in World War ll.
Lesson Plans
The Embodiment of the American Woman’s Economic and Social Awakening
Suggested grade level 11th, 12th, college
This lesson covers the efforts of American women on the Home Front during World War II. Their willingness to embrace all hardship to promote the war effort was embodied by J. Howard Miller’s “I Can Do It” poster featuring the character that became known to history as Rosie the Riveter. Rosie’s iconic image reminds Americans of women’s social and economic awakening amid the worst conflict in human history.
Women on the Homefront in World War II
Suggested grade level 6-12
Students will look at poster art to examine how women on the home front were represented as patriotic workers during World War II. They will learn about one of the most extraordinary propaganda campaigns in American history.
Suggested grade level 4-5
Students will gain knowledge of the rise of working women on the American home front during World War II. They also will use critical thinking skills to analyze primary source photos and propaganda posters.
Fieldtrip Ideas
There are only two sites in the United States that honor the contributions that 6 million women made during World War II and they are both in California!
1414 Harbour Way South, Suite 3000
Richmond, CA 94804
The Visitor Center is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, seven days per week.
The Visitor Education Center provides interactive and educational exhibits as well as a variety of park films, which show in our theater on a regular schedule. Entry to the visitor center and the films are free.
Rosie Fridays - Meet a real WWII Home Front worker
On most Fridays, you can visit with real Home Front workers from WWII.
For schedule, please call the Visitor Education Center at 510-232-5050.
4900 E. Conant Street
Long Beach, CA 90808
a 3.4-acre park dedicated to the women who worked on the "homefront" during WWII. It honors those women who were affectionately called “Rosie the Riveter” and who assembled the planes at Douglas Aircraft Plant, just steps away from where the park is located.
A “rose-colored” walking path winds through the park and is etched with the words and icons that help us remember when Long Beach was “at war.” Along the path are refurbished 1930’s lights and poles on which are posted signs that offer photographs and stories to help us understand these important years of our history. Visitors can use their cellphones to listen to a narrated tour of the park or just enjoy real broadcasts from 1940s radio.
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