Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park

10/05/2026

Today’s homework: thank a teacher.

National parks are places where students can learn about history by standing where it happened, explore science by observing nature, and discover stories that help us better understand the people and places that shaped our world.

Behind those experiences are teachers helping students ask questions, make connections, and learn about the world around them.

On World Teachers’ Day, we celebrate the educators who inspire curiosity, encourage exploration and remind us that learning can happen just about anywhere. (Including places with a really good view.)

Learn more at: https://www.nps.gov/teachers/index.htm

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10/05/2026

Every day from October 12 to November 5, 2026, visit Mission San José's granary during park hours (9am-5pm) to view the mission descendant community's family ofrendas.

Ofrendas are an essential part of Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead. The word ofrenda means offering in Spanish. They are also called "altares" or altars, but not for worship. These altars are not only full of family pictures, but of symbols and meaning, honoring the ancestors who have passed, and offering them items of the celebration such a "pan de mu**to" and marigold flowers.

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10/04/2026

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” — Anne Shirley, Anne of Green Gables

And we’re rather glad there are national parks to experience them in. Fall is a great time to get outside and enjoy the spectacular spectacle (say that five times fast) of changing leaves. There is plenty of room for imagination when you find yourself surrounded by forests painted in brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. In our experience, you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will. So consider this your invitation to find a little wonder, a little enchantment, and perhaps a kindred spirit among the trees.

Forests, woods, and shrublands in national parks put on their autumn colors from September through December. There’s a whole world of beauty waiting to be explored!

Image 1: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Image 2: Great Smoky Mountains NP
Image 3: Great Sand Dunes NPP
Image 4: Rocky Mountain National Park
Image 5: TheodoreRooseveltNPS

10/03/2026

“On October 3rd, he asked what day it was.” — Cady Heron

It’s October 3rd.

October is kind of a big deal around here. The autumn months splash many national parks with a rich array of fall colors, while cooler temperatures have wildlife getting ready for winter. Some are migrating. Some are gathering food. Some are putting on extra layers.

Same, honestly.

So whether you’re here for the foliage, the wildlife, or simply to judge the leaves on their color palette, national parks are a pretty fetch place to experience fall. Fetch? We’re making it happen.

And if you want to keep up with what’s happening in parks this season, you can find more ways to connect with your national parks at the link below.
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/fall-season.htm

Image: Red Osier Dogwood leaves stand out against aspen trunks at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. NPS/Patrick Myers

10/02/2026

10/02/2026

Wherever military life takes you, there’s likely a park adventure nearby.

Active-duty military members, Veterans, and Gold Star families can get a free America the Beautiful Pass, providing access to national parks and federal recreation sites across the country.

Active-duty military families can also find free events, nearby outdoor opportunities, and resources for exploring national parks, public lands, and waterways through the Military Families Outdoors Program, wherever military life takes them. Visit: go.nps.gov/mfo

Whether you’re PCSing, exploring near your duty station, or looking for a weekend adventure, your next park visit may be closer than you think.

NPS Photo: Rangers at Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park recently teamed up with Blue Star Families and community partners for a day of fishing, outdoor fun, and family time at Fletchers Cove.

Blue Star Families Defense Public Health

10/01/2026

Fat Bear Week has officially lumbered to a close.

What a week. As they say, a journey of roughly 3,000 to 4,500 calories begins with a single salmon. Something like that. There might be some steps involved too.

In the end, 16 bears entered. Bear 89 “Backpack” became champion. Talk about the hunger games. And several ate their way into our hearts. Figuratively. And thousands of us humans spent an unreasonable amount of time judging bears for being excellent at being, well, bears.

It was a week of big bellies, bigger appetites, and absolutely no regrets. We shared some science, learned about the Alaskan ecosystem, stood around for hours watching large mammals eat, and found multiple way to incorporate “chonk” in everyday vocabulary.

Now the bears have more important things to do, such as eating then sleeping, a bit more eating, sleeping, and finally preparing to sleep after eating. As for the rest of us, we all return to our regularly scheduled programming.

Must we?

We must.

We will miss you, Fat Bear Week. Until next year: stay chunky, stay hungry, and remember: there’s always room for one more salmon.

NPS Images

10/01/2026

World War II Across America’s National Parks: Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park

During World War II, Richmond, California became one of the nation’s most active home front manufacturing centers. Tens of thousands of people from across the United States came to the city to support wartime industries. Many women entered the workforce for the first time, taking jobs in shipyards, factories, and other essential industries. These workers contributed to welding, riveting, and assembly line production.

Richmond’s four Kaiser Shipyards were among the most productive in the country, ultimately producing 747 vessels during the war. With so many people arriving for defense work, the city’s population grew rapidly from about 24,000 residents to nearly 100,000. This rapid growth reshaped daily life for everyone living or working in Richmond.

Workers came from many different backgrounds, including African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, Native Americans, and immigrants. Each person played a role in supporting the national war effort. Women, people migrating from other regions, and families seeking new opportunities all became part of a diverse and dynamic community.

Richmond’s story mirrors the wartime experience across the country, showcasing how ordinary people united to face extraordinary challenges. It stands as a lasting example of what can be achieved when working toward a common purpose.

World War II transformed life in America’s cities, factories, and shipyards, but the home front stretched far beyond them. Next, follow us to Mojave National Preserve to discover how the war reached the California desert.

NPS Photo: Kaiser Shipyard workers posing for a group photo in front of a WWII era ship.

10/01/2026

10/01/2026

World War II Across America’s National Parks: An Introduction

As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation, we embrace the story of America from our founding to today. National parks help preserve many chapters of that story, including one of the most defining events of the 20th century: World War II. Sixteen million Americans served under arms, more than 400,000 were killed, and countless millions more supported the war effort at home. The war touched every part of American society, and little was left unchanged—including national parks.

For the next 16 weeks, leading up to the 85th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, the National Park Service will take you across the country to explore America's experience in World War II through the lens of national parks. These sites preserve different parts of America's wartime story, including both triumphs and tragedies. This list of parks is by no means exclusive, nor are the stories that will be shared. They represent just a fraction of the war's impact on our parks and the nation, with many of those impacts still felt today.

To follow the series, use . Each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, a new park will share its story and point you to the next stop in the journey.

The series begins here at .

Image Caption: WWII enlisted visit Grand Canyon National Park.
Image Credit: NPS/Emily Welch

10/01/2026

Now that Fat Bear Week is over, it's time for Chunky Puppy Day! Tune in to the Puppy Cam tomorrow, Thursday, October 1, at 2pm AK time to find out how big the America's Best Idea litter got this summer.

How much do you think they weigh now? Share your guesses in the comments below.

NPS Photo: Graupel from the Weather litter during a weigh-in last year.

09/30/2026

This is the ideal marmot body. You may not like it. You may not understand it. But this is what peak performance looks like.

Now that Fat Bear Week is over, we’re returning to our regularly scheduled programming: other fat mammals.

The tundra-dwelling yellow-bellied marmots have been preparing for hibernation for the last couple of months. Since marmots spend more than half their lives hibernating, they’ve developed some impressive adaptations for surviving the winter:

✅ First, they’ve been building up healthy fat reserves (sound familiar? Bears. Us too, but that’s another post) to sustain them for up to eight months. Basically, a nice winter savings account.

✅ When they finally enter hibernation, they become true hibernators, slowing their heart rate from around 200 beats per minute to as low as 30. It’s an impressive energy-saving strategy.

✅ Speaking of saving, they also save on utilities by cuddling up with the colony in a communal burrow. Because heating is expensive, and roommates are the answer. Was that on the lease?

NPS Photo: A rotund marmot standing on a rock at Rocky Mountain National Park

09/09/2026

Join us and our partners for the fourth annual Rosie Ride on Saturday, September 12. In celebration of Transit Month, visitors will travel together to Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park by public transit. After arriving by ferry or bus at the Richmond Ferry Terminal, participants will be greeted and guided on a short ranger-led walk to the Visitor Education Center where tours, activities, and live demonstrations will be available.

For reservation and schedule details, visit our official park partner, Rosie the Riveter Trust, at rosietheriveter.org/pages/upcoming-events.

NPS Photo

07/31/2026

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our cherished Rosie Ambassador, Jeanne Gibson, at the age of 100.

During World War II, Jeanne welded destroyers at Todd Pacific Shipyards in Seattle, Washington. She later supported the Army Transportation Corps in Juneau, Alaska, preparing vital documents that helped keep Allied forces equipped across the Pacific.

For years, she generously volunteered at Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park, captivating visitors with her stories and inspiring countless people.

Just less than two weeks before her passing, Jeanne was honored at our park with a Wall of Honor banner recognizing her wartime service and unwavering dedication.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and all who were touched by her extraordinary spirit.

Image Description: Rosie Ambassador Jeanne Gibson stands beside a red convertible car, wearing a red scarf and a dark jacket, raising one arm.

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07/10/2026

Join us throughout July for programs that bring WWII Home Front history to life at Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park! Whether you're a familiar face or visiting for the first time, there's something for everyone. Bring your curiosity, your family, and your love of history, and we’ll take care of the rest.

🔗More information: https://go.nps.gov/1vg5ay

📸NPS Photo

Image descriptions: Flyers highlighting July 2026 programs at Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park, featuring an illustrated Rosie the Riveter figure, National Park Service logo, and a list of Visitor Center programs.

05/07/2026

Join us for a ranger-led photography experience at historic Shipyard No. 3 at Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park.

Inspired by the work of Dorothea Lange, you’ll explore powerful images, take your own photos, and share what you see. This program is open to all ages, and no reservations are required.

🗓 May 8, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM
📍 Meet near the SS Red Oak Victory at Shipyard No. 3

Bring your camera or your phone and discover the stories still waiting to be told!

🔗More information: www.nps.gov/rori/planyourvisit/calendar.htm

📸NPS Photo/Luther Bailey

Photo Description: A black and white photo of a large Whirley Crane angled upward across the frame against a cloudy sky.

05/06/2026

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Marsha Mather-Thrift. Through her dedicated work with Rosie the Riveter Trust, she helped ensure that the stories of the WWII Home Front continue to be shared and remembered. Marsha made a lasting impact on our park, our programs, and the many people whose lives she touched. Her legacy will continue to inspire us to honor history and serve our community. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her loved ones and all who were moved by her remarkable spirit.

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Marsha Mather-Thrift, a remarkable friend and colleague who was a leader and advocate of national parks - especially Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, California.

Marsha served as Executive Director of Rosie the Riveter Trust for nine years, guiding the national park’s partner nonprofit with vision, determination, and heart. Many of the programs that continue to define our work today were shaped by her leadership. She was instrumental in elevating the story of Betty Reid Soskin, helping bring her voice to broader audiences through the documentary, No Time to Waste: The Urgent Mission of Betty Reid Soskin.

Marsha also believed in supporting the next generation. Through Rosie's Girls—now known as Rosie's Service Corps—she helped create a pathway for young people in Richmond and surrounding communities to explore careers in the trades, leadership, and service.

Marsha remained a dedicated supporter of the Trust, contributing as a grant writer and always showing up for our Rosie Rallies, Riveter Days, and annual Rosie Gala. Her presence was constant, generous, and sincerely felt.

Marsha leaves behind a legacy of impact, inspiration, and unwavering belief in the power of history to shape a better future as well as love for parks and environmental stewardship.

Rosie the Riveter Trust extends our heartfelt condolences to Marsha’s family and all who knew and loved her. May we all find comfort in the profound difference she made to help better our world.