This is the first of several E-FORUMs related to the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park, the Red Oak Victory and The Whirley Crane. I am concerned that the City of Richmond,
the Richmond Museum Association and others are not aware of the commitments made decades ago to create a partnership park and operate it in a manner that markets Richmond as a cultural tourism destination, including operating the southern tip of Shipyard 3
as a Public Engagement Area within the National Park.

 

While heritage tourism took a hit during Covid and is still recovering, the future looks promising, including in Richmond.

 

Heritage tourism is defined as traveling to experience places, artifacts, and activities that authentically represent the stories and people of the past and present .Travelers engage in guided tours, interactive workshops, heritage festivals, or visits to national parks and preserved neighborhoods for a deeper connection to a region’s cultural and historical identity 

 

• The U.S. heritage tourism market was estimated at $128.66 billion in 2024 and is projected to continue growth at about 4.2% from 2026 to
  2033.
• Demand is fueled by millennials and Gen Z seeking immersive,
  culturally rich trips—such as guided tours, artisan workshops, and culinary experiences—often tied to historic districts, Native American heritage, civil rights trails, and multicultural festivals.
• Multigenerational travel and “find your roots” trips are also boosting interest, with many visitors combining
  heritage tourism with educational and experiential activities.
• There are ongoing efforts from both public and private sectors to restore heritage infrastructure and promote
  sustainable tourism. These initiatives not only preserve historical sites but also strengthen local economies.
• Post-pandemic travel trends show a shift towards domestic travel and a preference for experiences that connect
  travelers with local narratives and preserved authenticity.

 

17 years ago, the City Council approved the National Park Service General Management Plan for Rosie the Riveter WW II Home Front National Historical Park, and 14 years ago, the City Council adopted
the General Plan 2030 that included an entire element dedicated to the partnership between the National Park Service and the City to promote the national park.

 

I have annotated the General Pan 2030 polices and actions with my perception of the status. Note that most policies and actions have not been implemented.

 

On April 7, 2009, the Richmond City Council unanimously approved the General Management Plan for Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park.

 

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND APPROVING THE ROSIE THE RIVETER/WORLD WAR II HOME FRONT NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN/ENVIRONMENTAL
ASSESSMENT

 

WHEREAS, The Richmond City Council adopted Resolution 129-99 expressing support for the proposed Rosie the Riveter WW II Home Front National Historical Park and committing
the City of Richmond and the National Park Service to a partnership, and,

 

WHEREAS, in October of 2000, President Bill Clinton signed into law the Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park Establishment Act of 2000
(Pub. L. 106-352, Sec. 1, Oct. 24, 2000, 114 Stat. 1370), establishing Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, CA, and

 

WHEREAS, the Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park Establishment Act of 2000 includes the following direction:

(g) General management plan

 

(1) In general Not later than 3 complete fiscal years after the date funds are made available, the Secretary shall prepare, in consultation with the City of Richmond,
California, and transmit to the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a general management plan for the park in accordance with the provisions of section 1a-7(b) of this title
and other applicable law.

(2) Preservation of setting

 

The general management plan shall include a plan to preserve the historic setting of the Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park, which
shall be jointly developed and approved by the City of Richmond.

and,

 

WHEREAS, the final draft of the General Management Plan (Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park General Management Plan/Environmental
Assessment) has been completed, following numerous public meetings and outreach processes that began in 2002, further described in Chapter 6 of the Plan, and have continued through March 18, 2009, and,

 

WHEREAS, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements have been fulfilled and are further described in Chapter 5 of the Rosie the Riveter/World War II
Home Front National Historical Park General Management Plan/Environmental Assessment, and

 

WHEREAS, in consultation with the cooperating partners, including the City of Richmond, Contra Costa County, the Richmond Museum Association, Rosie the Riveter Trust,
Levin Shipping, the Council of Industries and Eddie Orton (owner of the Ford Building, the National Park Service has selected Alternative B as its preferred alternative, which is also the environmentally preferred alternative.

 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Richmond, in accordance with g(2) of Pub. L. 106-352, Sec. 1, Oct. 24, 2000, 114 Stat. 1370, does hereby approve of the
Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park General Management Plan/Environmental Assessment, including Alternative B, and,

 

THEREFORE IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Richmond directs the city manager to provide a copy of this resolution to the Secretary of the
Interior.

 

The adopted General Management Plan included development of historic Shipyard 3 (now PPMT) as an interpretive
focus for the National Park. Without considering any amendment to the General Plan 2030, the City is rapidly moving towards dismantling the adopted plan for historic Shipyard 3 (now PPMT) by advocating for the moving of the Red Oak Vicory and removal of the
Whirley Crane.

 

General Management Plan Alternative B

 

In the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park General Management Plan/Environmental Assessment, Alternative B, which was adopted, the
SS Red Oak Victory was anticipated to be docked at historic Shipyard 3.

 

Richmond Shipyard No. 3 / SS Red Oak Victory In alternative B, there would be two park areas for Shipyard No. 3. The characteristics of these desired future park areas are described
in table 2. The historic district along the waterfront and the SS Red Oak Victory would be in the Historic Engagement Area to enable visitors to experience many sights and sounds associated with World War II-era shipyard operations. The remaining area of Shipyard
No. 3 would be in the Industrial/Port Landscape Area—while allowing for contemporary port activities, this area would provide visitors with a sense of size and scale represented by the open industrial landscape. Over the next 25 years, the 76Historic Engagement
Area could be enlarged upon reevaluation of the needs and goals of the Port of Richmond.

 

In alternative B, visitors could explore some of the World War II sites and structures in the historic district of Shipyard No. 3 including the two southernmost graving basins/drydocks,
general warehouse, sheet metal shop, whirley crane(s), and Berth 6A, where the SS Red Oak Victory is docked. The remaining structures and areas of Richmond Shipyard No. 3 would continue to support contemporary port operations.

 

To better interpret Shipyard No. 3, some interiors of the historic structures could be modified to reflect their World War II uses. In addition, in alternative B, visitors could
explore the historic Kaiser shipyard through models, artifacts, exhibits, demonstrations, and other interpretive programming. Park visitors to Shipyard No. 3 would have opportunities to learn from community members about Richmond’s World War II home front
stories and experiences.

 

In alternative B, the mooring of the SS Red Oak Victory at Berth 6A in Shipyard No. 3 would provide another means for visitors to appreciate the scale and immensity of the shipyard
operations; visitors would have an opportunity to tour a surviving Victory ship that was built and launched in Richmond in 1944.

 

The views of Shipyard No. 3 from the SS Red Oak Victory would provide visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the historic shipyards layout. In addition, visitors would
have views of the City of San Francisco and the San Francisco Bay. These views could help visitors understand the importance of the land and sea connection and the shipyard’s relationship to the international war effort.

 

Richmond Shipyard No. 3 is a National Register Historic District that contains six World War II-era historic buildings (sheet metal shop, general warehouse, machine shop, forge
shop, first aid station, and cafeteria), whirley crane, and five graving basins/dry docks. In alternative B, the historic shipyard and its World War II structures would provide the setting for visitors to experience and explore the fabric of a wartime shipyard:
its scale, how it operated, and its role within the context of the nation’s war effort. In this alternative, historic structures would be managed to retain their World War II-era appearance. Some of the interiors of historic structures would be rehabilitated
and used to illustrate World War II shipyard uses. Interiors of other historic structures would continue to be used for contemporary uses by cooperating partners and port operations.

 

General Plan 2030 Policies and Actions related to Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical
Park.

 

Policy and Action	Description	Status
Policy NP1.1	Delineation and Protection of Resources Support the National Park Service in delineating and protecting existing and potential resources in the city that are significant to Richmond’s role in the World War II Homefront effort. Align resource protection with economic and community development opportunities ensure that local regulations are consistent with state and federal regulations	The City has made no significant effort, and in fact is threatening to remove the Whirley Crane and abandon Shipyard 3 as a Historic Engagements Area.
Policy NP1.2	Access to Resources Support the expansion of transportation options to National Historical Park resources and sites in the city. Prioritize access by public transit, bicycling and walking. Improve access for visitors from within and outside the city. Minimize the impact of improvements on neighborhoods where resources are located.	Transportation options have improved. Since the General Plan 2030 was adopted. The Ferry Terminal was completed and service initiated. Many improvements have been made to the Bay Trail and bicycling access. Richmond Moves, a low cost rideshare service started.   The Bay Trail and Canal Boulevard were extended to reach the southern tip of Shipyard No. 3, making it far more accessible than anticipated in the General Management Plan.   The Riggers Loft was rehabilitated and became a public venue for over 10 years. It could be again.   The SS Red Oak Victory was moved from Berth 6A to Basin 5 and became fully publicly accessible. It also has abundant parking and laydown space.
Policy NP1.3	Interpretation and Awareness Increase awareness about the history of the city and the National Historical Park through interpretation and education. Bring local and national attention to the city’s unique and important heritage encourage opportunities to link Richmond’s heritage with the themes associated with the World War II home front.	The City has not made any significant progress.
Policy NP1.4	Visitor Support Services Support the National Park Service in its effort to provide facilities and services that welcome residents and visitors to National Historical Park sites. Build on the historical assets of the city to promote heritage tourism enrichment.	The City has not made any significant progress.
Policy NP1.5	Support of Projects Recognizing Contributions to the World War II Home Front Effort The City shall encourage projects that recognize the contributions of immigrants, women, people of color and other underrepresented communities, including the families of veterans, in the World War II home front effort.	The City has not made any significant progress.
Action NP1.A	Cooperation with the National Park Service Execute a cooperative agreement with the National Park Service to establish a framework for the National Park Service and the city to develop a complete cooperative projects as intended by Congress with the enacting of public law 106-352.	No cooperative agreement exists.
Action NP1.B	National Historical Park Cooperative Partners Forum Support the establishment of a National Park Cooperative Partners Forum to coordinate activities, resources and implementation of the National Park Service General Management Plan.	There is no National Park Cooperative Partners Forum
Action NP1.C	National Historical Park Resource Protection Incentive Program Support and encourage private property owners in the City to protect and enhance existing and potential National Historical Park resources.	The City has not made any significant progress.
Action NP1.D	Catalytic Projects Program Coordinate with the National Park Service to identify catalytic projects that may advance the development of the National Historical Park in the city. Criteria for catalytic projects should satisfy multiple objectives including economic and community development potential, consistency with redevelopment and revitalization goals, and significance to the National Historical Park. Existing catalytic projects in the city include the Ford assembly building adaptive reuse, Shipyard #3 redevelopment and Nystrom area revitalization.	No projects have been identified.
Action NP1.E	Cultural Heritage Tourism Program Develop a program to promote the cultural and historic resources in Richmond, especially the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park, Point Richmond and the Downtown. Collaborate with local businesses the Richmond Convention and Visitors Bureau, organization and Chamber of Commerce, the National Park Service, community organizations and other partners, where appropriate, to develop and implement the program. Consider visitor serving uses, transportation, marketing and branding.	No cultural heritage tourism program exists. The Convention and Vistors Bureau ceased to exist several years ago.
Action NP1.F	Interpretive Signage and Wayfinding Plan Support the National Park Service in its efforts to develop and implement an interpretive signage and wayfinding plan for the National Historical Park sites in the City. Coordinate with related efforts such as citywide signage guidelines, citywide interpreter trail guidelines and San Francisco Bay Trail planning efforts to ensure appropriate branding and consistency.	There is no interpretive signage and wayfinding plan. Most recently, the City threw up impediments to expansion of the National Park Service historic site identification program.
Action NP1.G	Visitor Services and Facilities Support the National Park Service in its efforts to develop a visitor service and facilities plan to identify plan and provide adequate and quality support services and facilities for current and future visitors. Services and facilities may include accommodations, food, recreation and access. The city’s living heritage and historic sites could attract thousands of visitors from around the Bay Area and across the country to experience a 1940s era home front setting. A coordinated Richmond based partnership with the National Park Service could market and grow the heritage tourism component of the city’s economy.	There is no visitor service and facilities plan
Action NP1.H	Cultural Heritage Shoreline Plan Support the National Park Service in developing a heritage shoreline plan that identifies designates and promotes the Southern shoreline area of the City of Richmond as a cultural heritage zone. The heritage shoreline extends from the East Brother Lighthouse to the Ford Building in the Marina Bay Area. The southern shoreline has a concentration of historical and cultural sites in the city including many National Historical Park sites and pre-World War II resources related to Native American, railroad, shrimping, whaling and winemaking history. Include recreation and visitor-serving uses along the shoreline. Provide access to these sites from land and water. Explore the potential for creating the Cultural Heritage Water Trail, a water-based transit system envisioned to connect cultural and historical sites along the southern waterfront with the proposed ferry terminal in the Marina Bay Area.	There is no Cultural Heritage Shoreline Plan

 

 

 

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