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Contra Costa Marketplace - Aug 2016

push to integrate and actually come together. That’s pretty much transformed our workplace in the years succeeding.” Throughout this time people flocked to Richmond as it became a shipbuilding powerhouse during the war. “Henry J. Kaiser, who built Hoover Dam and was recruited by FDR to come here, created the system that allowed Richmond to build 747 ships during the war,” said Mather-Thrift. That’s pretty impressive when the rest of the Bay Area only produced a combined total of 92. “Richmond was one of the most productive cities in the country in terms of churning out ships faster than the enemy could sink them.” Hence, this wonderful national historic park chose Richmond as its home when it was established in 2000. The Trust collaborates with the park to help produce programs and activities. This year they hosted between 1,200 and 1,600 fourth graders at the park in an effort to get every fourth grader in the area to visit, something they plan to continue next year. Rosie’s Girls is a summer program where they teach low-income and at-risk middle school girls how to do welding and carpentry, learning confidence and career-building skills along the way, and the Trust also helped renovate the Maritime Child Development Center, a $9 million project. Another reason to visit is to meet Betty Reid Soskin, the oldest park ranger in the country! “She’s one of the most amazing interpreters of history I’ve ever heard,” said Mather-Thrift. “We’re raising money to finish a film project that portrays history as seen through her eyes—she’s 94 years old, so it’s pretty important that we raise that money!” As Rosie would say: They Can Do It! If you’ve yet to indulge in all that the park has to offer, please do. A great way to get involved is by attending the Rosie Rally and Home Front Festival on August 13th. Last year they broke the Guinness world record with over 1,100 people dressed as Rosie in one place—and have since lost the title to another group—so help them earn it back this year! Guys dressed as Rosie also count! So pay them a visit, free of charge! Guided bus tours are available in advance. Open daily from 10am-5pm, head to the visitor’s center first at 1414 Harbour Way South, Suite #3000/Oil House, Richmond. For plenty more information call (510) 232-5050 x0 or visit rosietheriveter.org


Contra Costa Marketplace - Aug 2016
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