In the early 2000s, one of the WWIT board members came up with the idea to honor the women who worked in the factories during World War II. She orchestrated a mini PR campaign that culminated with ABC News coverage of their gathering at the Trades Fair. A tremendous success, there were nearly 100 women in attendance at the Seattle Center luncheon! A few years later, the same woman proposed that WWIT do a calendar featuring these women, affectionately known as Rosie the Riveters. We're proud to say we produced 13 calendars; which means we photographed and interviewed (do the math) 156 women.

 

The 2020 Calendar was our final calendar for two reasons: As the years went on, it became more and more difficult to find Rosies (most were born in the 1920s). The Rosies are a national treasure, with, unfortunately, an expiration date. Second, we are keenly aware that in our digital age, the paper calendar has given way to the one on our phones.

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We are so grateful to have met every one of Our Rosies! Many evolved into friends and mentors and while we mourn their passings, we continue to celebrate their lives. A study in contrast--each of their stories was exactly the same and each was vastly unique. And that's what made the project so downright fun.

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There are some calendars still available for purchase at $10 each.