You are invited to the ARRA 2015 National Convention June 12, 13, 14, 2015. Click here to get more information.
Come and see YOUR MEMORIAL: The Rosie the Riveter/Homefront World War II National Historical Park. See you in Richmond in 2015!
RICHMOND, CA – The Richmond Convention & Visitors Bureau announced that it will be hosting the American Rosie the Riveter Association (ARRA) annual convention in Richmond, June 12-14, 2015. More than 100 people are expected to attend the three-day conference, which will include meetings, interviews with “Rosies,” and tours of Richmond attractions, such as the Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park and the SS Red Oak Victory. The Courtyard by Marriott Richmond Berkeley will serve as the host hotel.
The “Rosies” name applies to women who worked on the home front during World War II, doing work that was traditionally done by men. Thousands of women worked as riveters, buckers, welders, electricians, inspectors, ordinance workers, sewing clothing and parachutes for the military, rolling bandages, spotting planes and many other jobs supporting the war effort. “Rosie the Riveter played such an integral role in Richmond’s history that it only seems fitting that the ARRA selected our city as the site for their 2015 convention,” said Beth Javens, Executive Director, Richmond Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We are both excited and honored to host this impressive group that includes many of our Richmond Rosies!” One of the 10 most influential cities in the world during World War II, Richmond’s role in support of the nation’s effort during World War II is documented in the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park. The visitor center has special exhibits and programs that tell the story about that effort, especially the role played by women and minorities. Next door is the Craneway Pavilion, the former Ford Assembly Plant (opened in 1932) that assembled thousands of jeeps, tanks and other military vehicles destined for combat during WWII. The area was also home to the Kaiser Shipyards, responsible for the building of nearly 750 Liberty and Victory ships. Today, the SS Red Oak Victory Ship, which was rescued from the mothball fleet, is open for tours.
The ARRA recognizes and preserves the history and legacy of working women, including volunteers, during World War II. To learn more about the ARRA and the 2015 convention, visit www.rosietheriveter.net or contact the association at 1-888-557-6743 or email americanrosietheriveter2@yahoo.com. Registration for the convention opens in November. The Richmond Convention & Visitors Bureau is a destination marketing organization that was created by a Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) to market and promote tourism to the area, including overnight stays. The independent non-profit 501C6 organization is funded by lodging properties in Richmond. For more information about Richmond attractions, activities and events, call the Richmond Convention & Visitors Bureau at (510) 237-1403 or visit www.VisitRichmondCA.com