WWII Richmond USO Sadie Hawkins Dance
Collections in the Classroom
Grade Level
High, Middle
Time Period
1900-1950: Early 20th Century
Theme
WWII
Resource Type
Engagement Activity, Primary Source
Download Collections in the Classroom: Richmond USO Sadie Hawkins Dance (pdf)
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
- How did Richmonders support the war effort?
- What new roles did citizens on the homefront take on during WWII?
CONTEXT
The purpose of the USO, United Service Organization, is to provide morale, welfare, and entertainment for uniformed military personnel. President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration asked the Salvation Army, Young Men’s Christian Association, Young Women’s Christian Association, National Catholic Community Services, National Travelers Aid Association and the National Jewish Welfare Board to combine their efforts to create the USO. In the 1940s, the USO sponsored celebrity visits, movies, churches and dances for the men at war. USO shows still take place today.
