Chris Treadway: New milestone for Rosie the Riveter historic park
By Chris Treadway
Contra Costa Times
Posted: 01/27/2012 04:33:51 PM PST
Updated: 01/27/2012 04:45:59 PM PST

Milestones for the Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond have included its creation its 2000 and its dedication at a ceremonial launching re-enactment in 2007.
A new and equally significant milestone will come this spring, when the park is finally to dedicate its visitors center.
The opening is scheduled May 26 at the former oil house at the Ford Point building and dedication events are in the planning.
Until now the park has had administrative offices and individual sites, but no single location to give visitors an overview or details of the historical significance of the home front during the war. Not even a location to give out maps and sell souvenirs.
That will change when the 10,000-square-foot space opens and the local National Park Service unit is now seeking volunteer docents to help tell the story and assist visitors.
This should be a fun and enlightening opportunity for people 18 and older who want to be part of a national park and have "a passion for history, education, and public service (or a willingness to learn!)," as the park service puts it.
The park service is asking for a commitment of eight volunteers a month, preferably for at least year, and applicants would also need to attend one date of each of three training sessions.
Training unit 1, "Introduction to the National Park Service and our park" can be taken 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 31 or April 6.
Training unit 2, Tour-giving tips," will be offered 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 14 and April 20.
Training unit 3 is "Visitor Center operations and customer service" and can be taken 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 28 or May 4.
To reserve a place for the training sessions or get more details contact Lucien Sonder at lucien_sonder@nps.gov or 510-232-5050, ext. 6622.
Sonder adds that "If you cannot make any of the training dates but would like to be informed of future training opportunities, please let me know."
MARITIME CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER MEETING: One of the historic sites at Richmond's national park is the Maritime Child Development Center, one of several day care facilities built here during the war. The center was renovated and reopened last September for active use as classrooms and offices.
The landmark center at 1014 Florida Ave. houses the Richmond College Prep School, the Richmond Community Foundation and an interpretive area that shows how it functioned as an around-the-clock care center for children of World War II shipyard workers.
One of the Maritime's intended functions is to serve its community and the National Park Service and the Richmond Community Foundation are hosting a meeting and tour from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday to discuss the possibilities.
Organizers are particularly interested in hearing from residents from the Iron Triangle, Santa Fe, Coronado or Nystrom neighborhoods, people interested in community history and those who attended the Maritime Center growing up.
Childcare center alumni will be invited to share their memories and community members can exchange ideas on future programs the center can offer.
To register for the meeting go online to http://conta.cc/wqAvuX. For more details contact Lucien Sonder at 510-232-5050, ext. 6622 or lucien_sonder@nps.gov.