The Second World War had a profound impact on working women in American society. After the United States entered the war on December 7, 1941, millions of men left manufacturing jobs for military service and recruiters scoured the country in search of replacements. Women joined the workforce in record numbers and filled industrial positions previously denied to them. Migrating from diverse regions and cultures, women converged on the nation’s industrial centers and quickly learned skills that traditionally took years to master. Popular culture and propaganda launched the legend of “Rosie the Riveter,” the anonymous, bandanna-clad woman in coveralls who produced all manner of wartime equipment on the home front. An empowering icon of determination, Rosie the Riveter proved to a generation of Americans that women could excel in any job offered to them.
A very special thank you to the National Park Service, Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park, for making this exhibition possible, and to the Richmond Museum of History and Culture, and San Francisco State University, Labor Archives and Research Center.
Rosie the Riveter: Womanpower in Wartime is located post-security in Harvey Milk Terminal 1 of the San Francisco International Airport. This exhibition is accessible from July 20, 2024 – May 11, 2025 to ticketed passengers, and through prior arrangement by emailing curator@flysfo.com.
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