Port Chicago film and discussion

Film and Discussion: The Port Chicago DisasterJoin us for a powerful exploration of the Port Chicago disaster, the deadliest home front tragedy of World War II. This program features a gripping short film that brings the events of July 17, 1944, to life, along with a th......More

Film and Discussion: The Port Chicago DisasterJoin us for a powerful exploration of the Port Chicago disaster, the deadliest home front tragedy of World War II. This program features a gripping short film that brings the events of July 17, 1944, to life, along with a thought-provoking discussion led by experienced docent Diana King. Learn about the explosion that claimed 320 lives, the injustices that followed, and the lasting impact on the fight for civil rights in the U.S. military.

Visitor Education Center theater.

Meet a Rosie!

Meet a Living Link to WWII HistoryOn most Fridays, you have the unique opportunity to meet real WWII Home Front workers. These extraordinary individuals, often referred to as "Rosies," are now in their late 90s and up, and provide an incredible firsthand connection to h......More

Meet a Living Link to WWII HistoryOn most Fridays, you have the unique opportunity to meet real WWII Home Front workers. These extraordinary individuals, often referred to as "Rosies," are now in their late 90s and up, and provide an incredible firsthand connection to history. Programs are scheduled at 10:30 and 11:30.Please note that due to their advanced age, we cannot guarantee their attendance. While we strive to confirm on the day of, last-minute changes may occur. If a Rosie is unavailable, a park docent will present a program highlighting the Rosies' significant contributions during the war.Safety Note: For the health and safety of our Rosies, masks are required during all programs. 

Held at the park visitor center.

Blossoms and Thorns Film and Discussion

Film and Discussion: Blossoms & ThornsJoin us for a special screening of a 19-minute documentary exploring the history of Japanese American incarceration during World War II. This poignant film sheds light on a chapter of American history too often overlooked revealing ......More

Film and Discussion: Blossoms & ThornsJoin us for a special screening of a 19-minute documentary exploring the history of Japanese American incarceration during World War II. This poignant film sheds light on a chapter of American history too often overlooked revealing the struggles resilience and lasting impact on those affected.Each Friday at 2 PM the screening is followed by a discussion with guest speaker Jim Oshima. Jim shares his family's personal story of incarceration offering a heartfelt and firsthand perspective that deepens the film’s message.While the documentary is shown daily in the visitor center this Friday program provides a rare opportunity to connect history with lived experience. Don’t miss this powerful journey into the past told through both film and personal testimony.

Port Chicago film and discussion

Film and Discussion: The Port Chicago DisasterJoin us for a powerful exploration of the Port Chicago disaster, the deadliest home front tragedy of World War II. This program features a gripping short film that brings the events of July 17, 1944, to life, along with a th......More

Film and Discussion: The Port Chicago DisasterJoin us for a powerful exploration of the Port Chicago disaster, the deadliest home front tragedy of World War II. This program features a gripping short film that brings the events of July 17, 1944, to life, along with a thought-provoking discussion led by experienced docent Diana King. Learn about the explosion that claimed 320 lives, the injustices that followed, and the lasting impact on the fight for civil rights in the U.S. military.

Visitor Education Center theater.

“’Liberty Trains’ and Double V: African American Experiences in World War II”

In lecture, we will explore the varied experiences of African Americans in World War II. They championed the fight for democracy abroad and back at home.

Meet a Rosie!

Meet a Living Link to WWII HistoryOn most Fridays, you have the unique opportunity to meet real WWII Home Front workers. These extraordinary individuals, often referred to as "Rosies," are now in their late 90s and up, and provide an incredible firsthand connection to h......More

Meet a Living Link to WWII HistoryOn most Fridays, you have the unique opportunity to meet real WWII Home Front workers. These extraordinary individuals, often referred to as "Rosies," are now in their late 90s and up, and provide an incredible firsthand connection to history. Programs are scheduled at 10:30 and 11:30.Please note that due to their advanced age, we cannot guarantee their attendance. While we strive to confirm on the day of, last-minute changes may occur. If a Rosie is unavailable, a park docent will present a program highlighting the Rosies' significant contributions during the war.Safety Note: For the health and safety of our Rosies, masks are required during all programs. 

Held at the park visitor center.

Blossoms and Thorns Film and Discussion

Film and Discussion: Blossoms & ThornsJoin us for a special screening of a 19-minute documentary exploring the history of Japanese American incarceration during World War II. This poignant film sheds light on a chapter of American history too often overlooked revealing ......More

Film and Discussion: Blossoms & ThornsJoin us for a special screening of a 19-minute documentary exploring the history of Japanese American incarceration during World War II. This poignant film sheds light on a chapter of American history too often overlooked revealing the struggles resilience and lasting impact on those affected.Each Friday at 2 PM the screening is followed by a discussion with guest speaker Jim Oshima. Jim shares his family's personal story of incarceration offering a heartfelt and firsthand perspective that deepens the film’s message.While the documentary is shown daily in the visitor center this Friday program provides a rare opportunity to connect history with lived experience. Don’t miss this powerful journey into the past told through both film and personal testimony.

Celebration of The Day of Remembrance

The Day of Remembrance is a day of commemoration for the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. It is a day for Americans of Japanese descent to reflect upon the consequences of Executive Order 9066, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, requiring......More

The Day of Remembrance is a day of commemoration for the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. It is a day for Americans of Japanese descent to reflect upon the consequences of Executive Order 9066, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, requiring internment of all Americans of Japanese ancestry.

The Life and Times of Henry J. Kaiser

Author and historian Steve Gilford provides an in-depth look at the remarkable achievements and lasting impact of Henry J. Kaiser. Known as an industrial visionary, Kaiser revolutionized shipbuilding during World War II, dramatically reducing production times and reshap......More

Author and historian Steve Gilford provides an in-depth look at the remarkable achievements and lasting impact of Henry J. Kaiser. Known as an industrial visionary, Kaiser revolutionized shipbuilding during World War II, dramatically reducing production times and reshaping the American workforce. Gilford explores not only Kaiser’s groundbreaking contributions to wartime manufacturing but also his influence on modern health care systems, infrastructure projects, and labor practices. Through his research, Gilford highlights how Kaiser’s innovative spirit and ambitious endeavors continue to shape industries and communities long after his time.

Port Chicago film and discussion

Film and Discussion: The Port Chicago DisasterJoin us for a powerful exploration of the Port Chicago disaster, the deadliest home front tragedy of World War II. This program features a gripping short film that brings the events of July 17, 1944, to life, along with a th......More

Film and Discussion: The Port Chicago DisasterJoin us for a powerful exploration of the Port Chicago disaster, the deadliest home front tragedy of World War II. This program features a gripping short film that brings the events of July 17, 1944, to life, along with a thought-provoking discussion led by experienced docent Diana King. Learn about the explosion that claimed 320 lives, the injustices that followed, and the lasting impact on the fight for civil rights in the U.S. military.

Visitor Education Center theater.

Meet a Rosie!

Meet a Living Link to WWII HistoryOn most Fridays, you have the unique opportunity to meet real WWII Home Front workers. These extraordinary individuals, often referred to as "Rosies," are now in their late 90s and up, and provide an incredible firsthand connection to h......More

Meet a Living Link to WWII HistoryOn most Fridays, you have the unique opportunity to meet real WWII Home Front workers. These extraordinary individuals, often referred to as "Rosies," are now in their late 90s and up, and provide an incredible firsthand connection to history. Programs are scheduled at 10:30 and 11:30.Please note that due to their advanced age, we cannot guarantee their attendance. While we strive to confirm on the day of, last-minute changes may occur. If a Rosie is unavailable, a park docent will present a program highlighting the Rosies' significant contributions during the war.Safety Note: For the health and safety of our Rosies, masks are required during all programs. 

Held at the park visitor center.

Blossoms and Thorns Film and Discussion

Film and Discussion: Blossoms & ThornsJoin us for a special screening of a 19-minute documentary exploring the history of Japanese American incarceration during World War II. This poignant film sheds light on a chapter of American history too often overlooked revealing ......More

Film and Discussion: Blossoms & ThornsJoin us for a special screening of a 19-minute documentary exploring the history of Japanese American incarceration during World War II. This poignant film sheds light on a chapter of American history too often overlooked revealing the struggles resilience and lasting impact on those affected.Each Friday at 2 PM the screening is followed by a discussion with guest speaker Jim Oshima. Jim shares his family's personal story of incarceration offering a heartfelt and firsthand perspective that deepens the film’s message.While the documentary is shown daily in the visitor center this Friday program provides a rare opportunity to connect history with lived experience. Don’t miss this powerful journey into the past told through both film and personal testimony.

“From Zoot Suits to Victory: Mexican Americans in World War II”

Retired history professor, Jim Davis, lectures on the substantial contributions of Mexican Americans during World War II, despite residual discrimination, the Zoot Suit riots, and the Bracero Program.