Richmond History

Ranger-led tour explores Richmond’s Ford Assembly Plant and its WWII legacy

Linda Hemmila

Feb 14, 2025 — 1 min read

This Saturday, the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park will offer a ranger-led tour where park visitors will learn about manufacturing and the importance of the Ford Assembly Plant during and after World War II.

Manufacturing Pride Through Perseverance: A Look at the History of the Ford Assembly Plant and its Enduring Effects on the People of Richmond takes visitors on a journey through history, revealing how industry, war, and resilience came together to leave an enduring mark on Richmond and its people.

Organizers said visitors will learn that Richmond's Ford Assembly Plant was more than just a factory and that workers there "didn’t just build cars; they built a future."

Visitors will also gain an understanding of how manufacturing rapidly shifted to support the war effort, turning the plant into a powerhouse of production. But organizers say the impact didn’t stop when the last vehicle rolled off the line; the plant shaped Richmond’s workforce, economy, and identity in ways that are visible today.

The tour will last an hour, and registration is not required, but attendees are advised to dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes.

If You Go:
Meet at the park visitor center on Saturday, February 15 at 10:30 a.m.
1414 Harbour Way South, Suite 3000

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