SHIPYARD STORIES

The Richmond Kaiser Shipyards played a vital role during World War II. Men and women from across the nation and from many different ethnic backgrounds came to work there and to contribute to the war effort. This diverse workforce lead the shipyards to become, in a sense, an experiment in new ideas about sexual and social equality. Together, men and women built 747 ships, making it the most productive shipyard in the US. The effects of this industry and the migration of people to Richmond with unique cultural perspectives, visions, and values had a large impact on the social, political, and economic character of the San Francisco Bay Area.

The commemorative plaques that are attached to a replica of a Liberty Ship smokestack fall into seven distinct themes--each evokes a different part of the shipyard experience using historic photos and first person oral narratives. These plaques convey only a small portion of this extraordinary period of Richmond's history.

Shipyard Stories, 2000; Permanent public art project, commissioned by the city of Richmond, CA and the Richmond Redevelopment Agency; Eight stainless steel plaques with etched-on text and photos; overall dimensions 9' x 4'. Project cost: $15,000.