Women at Work during WWII
Collections in the Classroom
Grade Level
Elementary, High, Middle
Time Period
1900-1950: Early 20th Century
Theme
WWII
Resource Type
Engagement Activity, Primary Source
Download Collections in the Classroom: Women at Work during WWII (pdf)
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:
- How did Richmonders support the war effort?
- What new roles did women on the homefront take on during WWII?
CONTEXT:
Mary Elizabeth Cobb is an example of a Richmond woman who went to work during WWII to support the war effort at home. In 1942, she attended the Virginia Mechanics’ Institute through Richmond Public Schools’ National Defense Training Program and became a certified welder. She was employed by the Richmond Engineering Company. Millions of women entered the workforce for the first time, taking jobs in manufacturing, construction, transportation, and clerical roles to support the war effort.
