Honoring the Women Who Built America: The American Rosie the Riveter Association

During World War II, while millions of American men fought overseas, an equally critical battle was waged at home—in factories, shipyards, laboratories, and offices—by women who stepped up to fill the nation’s labor shortage. These women, known collectively as “Rosie the Riveter,” became a symbol of strength, patriotism, and capability. Decades later, the American Rosie the Riveter Association (ARRA) was formed to honor their contributions, preserve their stories, and inspire future generations.

Origins of Rosie the Riveter

The figure of Rosie the Riveter was popularized by a 1942 song written by Redd Evans and John Jacob Loeb, and later by J. Howard Miller’s now-iconic “We Can Do It!” poster, often mistakenly believed to be the original image of Rosie. The character represented the millions of women who entered the workforce during World War II, performing jobs in defense industries and other sectors traditionally held by men.

Between 1941 and 1945, more than 6 million American women worked in war-related jobs. They built airplanes, tanks, and munitions, worked in shipyards, and took on roles in engineering, welding, and mechanics—many for the first time. These women shattered gender norms and proved that patriotism had no gender barrier.

Formation of the American Rosie the Riveter Association (ARRA)

The American Rosie the Riveter Association was founded in 1998 in Warm Springs, Georgia, by a small group of original “Rosies” and their descendants. The founders recognized that the contributions of these women had not been sufficiently preserved in historical records or honored through official channels.

ARRA’s mission is to:

“Recognize and preserve the history and legacy of working women during World War II who supported the war effort on the home front.”

The organization provides a space for “Rosies” and their families to share their experiences, participate in historical commemorations, and educate the public about the vital role women played during the war years.

Mission and Activities

The ARRA is committed to:

Preserving personal stories, photographs, and memorabilia of WWII-era working women;
Promoting public education and awareness through presentations, museum collaborations, and educational outreach;
Organizing national conventions and local gatherings to honor surviving Rosies;
Participating in Veterans Day and Memorial Day events, as well as Rosie the Riveter Day (March 21, officially recognized by Congress);
Encouraging descendants to carry forward the stories and values of their Rosie ancestors.

The association also works closely with schools, libraries, and museums, including the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, California.

Membership

ARRA offers two main types of membership:

Rosie Members: Women who worked during WWII in war-related industry, agriculture, civil service, volunteer services, or armed forces support roles.
Associate Members: Family members, descendants, educators, and supporters who wish to help preserve Rosie history and promote the organization’s mission.

The ARRA encourages members to share oral histories and participate in programs that help bring Rosie stories to light—many of which had never been formally recorded until recent decades.

Notable Achievements

Some of ARRA’s major accomplishments include:

Creating a national registry of Rosie the Riveter women, preserving thousands of stories;
Partnering with the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project to archive Rosie oral histories;
Advocating for official recognition of Rosie the Riveter Day by the U.S. Congress (March 21 recognized in 2017);
Supporting historical exhibits and documentaries, including contributions to PBS and Smithsonian programming;
Inspiring state and local monuments, such as Rosie the Riveter statues in California, Michigan, and Ohio.

These efforts have led to a broader public appreciation of the women who stepped into the workforce during the war and laid the groundwork for future advances in gender equality.

Why It Still Matters

The story of Rosie the Riveter is not just a chapter in wartime history—it’s a powerful narrative about resilience, determination, and the capabilities of women under pressure. The ARRA ensures that the lessons of these women are not lost. Their efforts helped win a war, redefined the American workforce, and opened doors for future generations of women in trades, science, government, and military service.

Today, the organization serves as a bridge between generations—empowering young women by showing them what their grandmothers and great-grandmothers accomplished when the nation needed them most.

Conclusion

The American Rosie the Riveter Association is more than just a historical society—it is a living tribute to the grit, ingenuity, and patriotism of millions of American women. By keeping their stories alive, ARRA ensures that the legacy of Rosie the Riveter endures—not just as a poster, but as a movement.

Whether you’re a descendant, a student, or simply someone who believes in honoring the past, there’s a place for you in this remarkable story.