This presentation highlights the boldness, determination, creativity and bravery of American men AND women as they prepared for, and then valiantly fought in World War II. Spurred on by the message of Franklin Roosevelt’s “Arsenal of Democracy” speech, our speaker will share the incredible history of the Willow Run B-24 Bomber Plant and the teamwork of the powerful Detroit automotive industry. We will all cheer for the dramatic and vital roles played by women as they showed the nation that they were willing and able to fill the work force gaps caused by men going into military service. “We Can Do It” became the rallying cry for millions of women who had, until this time period, never envisioned working on an industrial assembly line building the weapons of war. As a Tribute Rosie, our presenter will honor the women who are called “Original Rosies” because they worked “the line” during WWII. Under the auspices of the Veteran’s History Project, their memories are being preserved because they are, indeed, veterans of the Home Front and their personal stories add depth and detail to our national narrative. You will be amazed, energized, and inspired by this chapter of American History. 

Claire Kitchin Dahl has been teaching American History since 1971. Armed with a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's degree in Women’s History, she has always championed powerful women in our national narrative. She retired from Ann Arbor (MI) Pioneer High School in 2009 where she had taught Advanced Placement US History for 19 years. Dressed in the iconic blue overalls and blending her love of history with the inspiring stories of Rosie the Riveter and the historic Willow Run B-24 Bomber Plant, she is a natural for the Yankee Air Museum’s Public Relations Committee. She and her husband, John, live in Ann Arbor, MI.