In celebration of the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park’s 25th anniversary, a “Victory Ship Revival” will launch on Monday, Aug. 18, bringing a crew of modern day Rosies—skilled tradeswomen from across the nation—aboard the SS Red Oak Victory in Richmond to tackle welding, painting, and restoration.
The project unites the International Boilermakers Local 549, Rosie the Riveter Trust, and partner organizations in an effort to preserve the last surviving Victory ship built at Richmond’s Kaiser Shipyards during WWII, as well as the legacy of resilience, ingenuity, and women’s essential role on the home front.
The first phase of the “Victory Ship Revival” will last two weeks, from Aug. 18–29. The crew will repair the ship’s weathered deck, masts, tubs, and stack, addressing deterioration since the ship’s last full overhaul in 2011.
The effort will field 10 or more workers daily and seeks to raise $125,000 for materials, equipment, paint, and upgrades, with opportunities to donate funds or supplies, sponsor at tiers from $100 to $25,000, or volunteer on board.
Volunteer interest can be directed to [email protected], and donations are processed through the Richmond Museum Association, a 501(c)(3).
Organizers say today’s Rosies are answering the call much like their WWII predecessors. They invite the public to learn more and support the work at www.redoakvictory.us/victory-ship-revival.
