‘Rosies’ Featured at Vulcan for Museum Day
The Smithsonian Magazine has its 14th annual “Museum Day” this Saturday. That means free admission to thousands of museums around the country. Here in Birmingham, one participating museum — Vulcan Park & Museum — is putting a twist on the Smithsonian’s theme: Women Making History. Casey Gamble is Vulcan’s museum coordinator. She tells WBHM’s Janae Pierre how they plan to incorporate Rosie the Riveter for this year’s event.
Interview Highlights:
Incorporating Rosie the Riveter with the Museum Day theme:
“We had to give some thought to how we wanted to bring in the “Women Making History” theme and the first thing that we thought of was incorporating “Rosies,” who were so important during World War II. At the start of Birmingham’s history in the 1870s, women did have a much more traditional role in the household. And by the time we get to World War II things are changing. And of course most of the jobs that these women were doing did directly relate to the STEM world; science, technology, engineering and math. And they were doing incredible things that for the time period were mostly unheard of for women.”
On partnering with the American Rosie the Riveter Association:
“They are an incredible group and were actually founded here in Birmingham. But it is a national group that exists to honor “Rosies” and keep their stories. They have published several books that have firsthand accounts of the stories of different “Rosies” throughout our area but all over the nation. We are very happy and excited to be partnering with the Rosie the Riveter Association and to be able to honor these ladies.”
Sharing oral histories of women as industrial workers:
“That is such an important part of what Vulcan does on a daily basis, just making sure that the younger generation really understands and respects what has come before them. At the event Saturday, we will have tables set up throughout the museum with these ladies telling their stories, giving the opportunity for young girls and boys from around the area to come and hear firsthand what these ladies experienced and how it was different for them. Hopefully they’ll come away with a new appreciation for the older generation.”
Dress like Rosie contest:
“We are very excited about that. At 2 p.m., we will be having a dress like a Rosie contest. So you know we have in mind the traditional look of the Rosie and were very excited about it; I’ll be dressing up myself. So take it to whatever extreme you would like. We would love to see some unique looks and have a lot of fun with it.”
Other local museums offering free admission Saturday include the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, the McWane Science Center, the Birmingham Museum of Art and the Iron & Steel Museum of Alabama. Free Museum day tickets are available to download at Smithsonian.com/museumday.
Bessemer recommends changing its laws to accommodate one of the country’s largest proposed data centers
Despite overwhelming public opposition, officials in Bessemer voted to recommend changes to city zoning ordinances to allow the massive development. Its operation could strain the state’s water and power supplies and leave an already imperiled fish species at risk of extinction.
Why is caregiving so hard in America? The answers emerge in a new film
A new documentary on PBS shows what it's like to care for adult family members and recounts the history of caregiving policy in the U.S., revealing why those caring for family are often on their own.
European officials hold talks with Iran in Geneva, seeking a diplomatic solution
It marks the most significant known diplomatic talks between Tehran and Western governments since Israel launched a surprise offensive against Iran one week ago.
Ancient Roman masterpieces emerge from a London demolition pit
Thousands of newly discovered fragments, which once adorned a high-status Roman building, offer an unprecedented glimpse into the artistic sophistication and daily life of ancient Londinium.
The story behind the arrest of 87-year-old veteran John Spitzberg at the Capitol
The video of John Spitzberg's arrest has been shared widely across social platforms, becoming a crystalizing moment for those protesting the Trump administration.
This is not the ‘Star Wars’ you thought you knew
The Star Wars available to the public to stream is not the same film that was shown in 1977. But in the U.K., audiences had a rare chance to see it.
