Did you ever go somewhere expecting not much, but were totally surprised and delighted when you got there? Our visit to the Rosie the Riveter Museum had that effect on me. It was as if this museum was designed with photographers in mind. In the small museum and Visitor Center building, all photos were not behind glass, but on boards. It was easy to shoot them without glare.

Not only did we learn about the history of women during World War II, we learned how the war changed the city of Richmond. Richmond became the Kaiser shipyard home, where ships were built. These vessels would help defeat our World War II enemies.

Located in a National Historic Park, the museum is just the beginning. There were many things to take up our day, but we basically visited three out of the 10 suggested by the Ranger in the visitor center. We visited the museum, looked into the empty Ford Assembly Plant, had lunch in Point Richmond, toured the SS Red Oak Victory ship and found our way back to the Rosie the Riveter Memorial.

I’m sure you guessed that this will be a two-part post. I will be going back to see all we didn’t have time for. This definitely was an unexpected surprise.

A black and white picture of workers entering the shipyard.

These posters were well kept and easy to shoot.

I think if it were today, the posters would be different.

Health was supported.

The safety hat workers wore.

A sculpture of a Rosie eating lunch.

Another view of the same sculpture.

A Rosie at work.

This pictures shows two Rosies at work.

Another Rosie getting to work.

Another poster.

This scene using a painted backdrop and sculptures was amazing.

I love the reflections I was able to capture in this scene.

The door to the Ford Assembly Plant.

Getting a better view.

Outside the museum.