Rosies Invade the Yard

Thousands of women worked at the Charlestown Navy Yard during World War II. The Yard's newspaper called them SWONs: the Shipbuilding Women of the Navy. They fulfilled roles from painters to welders, and riveters to sheet metal workers. Their efforts played a critical role in the outcome of the war and left a lasting mark on American history. Come join us in remembering and celebrating the work of these Shipbuilding Women of the Navy this Saturday and Sunday, August 11th and 12th at the Charlestown Navy Yard!

The program for this two-day extravaganza is as follows:

Swing, Music, & Dance
SWING THE NIGHT AWAY!
Saturday, 6:30 - 9:30 pm- Music & Dance Tent
As the sun begins to set on the Charlestown Navy Yard, join Boston Swing Central and The Easy Winners to swing the night away!

THE MOOD SWINGS ORCHESTRA
Sunday, 1:00 and 2:30 pm - Music & Dance Tent
Enjoy the swinging tunes of The Mood Swings Orchestra, an all female big band. Since 2003 the Mood Swings have been delighting audiences with their repertoire of swing music from the 1930s and beyond.

ACCIDENTAL CHARM
Saturday, 12 and 1:30 pm - Music & Dance Tent
Accidental Charm is a women's vocal quartet singing contemporary 4-part a capella harmony in the barbershop style!

SOUNDSCAPE
Saturday, 12 and 1:30 pm - Music & Dance Tent
Sharing the magic of 4-part a capella harmony since 2007.

Hands-on History:
HANDS ON HISTORY TENT
Saturday & Sunday - 1 pm - 5 pm
Do you think you would have made a good Navy Yard employee in World War II? Try your hand making a worker badge, twisting rope, riveting, and more! Explore activities and games for little hands and the young at heart!

Ships & SWONs:
ROSIE ROLL CALL
Saturday and Sunday, 9 am - 6 pm
Navy Yard Visitor Center
A new exhibit that shares the role, accomplishments, and personal memories of the over 8,000 women who lent a hand in the national war effort here at the Navy Yard during World War II.

ROSIE’S NAVY YARD
Saturday and Sunday, 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30 pm - 60 minute ranger-led tours. Tours begin at the flag pole on Pier 1. Over 8,000 women joined the workforce at the Boston Naval Shipyard to help win World War II. Join this free walking tour to explore their stories.

VEHICLES FOR VICTORY
Saturday and Sunday, 11 am - 4 pm - Pier 1 and 1st Avenue Come explore the different kinds of vehicles that were transported by Landing Ship, Tanks (LSTs). The men and women at this Navy Yard built 44 LSTs during World War II.

VISIT USS CASSIN YOUNG
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Explore the main deck of this World War II Fletcher-class Destroyer! Look for SWON stations and learn about the vital role women played in building these ships. During World War II, over 80 destroyers and destroyer escorts were built by this Navy Yard.

USS CASSIN YOUNG GUIDED TOURS
Times to be announced - 45 minute ranger-led tour.
See how these ships were built and learn about the men who served on board. FREE tickets are available first-come, first-served, aboard the ship. Visitors must be over 42” in height to participate in this tour. *Note: Ship activities may be canceled or modified due to weather and/or tidal conditions.

Celebrate the Rosies all weekend long and devour the details of a little bit of history right in Charlestown's Navy Yard!