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| For Immediate Release:
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May 27, 2004 |
| Contact(s): | David Barna, 202 208-6843
Gerry Gaumer, 202 208-6843 Shannon Bell, 202 354-2215 |
| Over Here! World War II on the Home Front Online Travel Itinerary Explores “Fortress San Francisco”
(Washington, D.C.) – In the wake of the Japanese assault on Pearl Harbor, the nation braced for other attacks. In the San Francisco Bay area, all off-duty military personnel were recalled and harbor defenses put on full alert. Soldiers moved out of their barracks and into the batteries, filling sandbags, stringing barbed wire, and constructing beach defenses at a feverish pace. Along the coastline, observers scanned the horizon to warn of an imminent invasion. As the weeks went by, the commitment to an impenetrable defense was joined by a commitment to a formidable offense, establishing San Francisco as an “arsenal of democracy,” sending troops and supplies to support the war effort. The Bay area’s home front role is recognized in the National Park Service’s newest online travel itinerary, World War II in the San Francisco Bay Area (http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/). The itinerary highlights 31 places that guarded the city, built warships and tanks, manufactured munitions, and the day care centers and worker housing that supported those who cared for the home front. “More than sixty years ago, our nation mobilized to meet the challenges of war on the battlefield and on the home front,” said National Park Service Director Fran Mainella. “In two days, we will dedicate a lasting memorial to those who served in World War II. With this National Register of Historic Places travel itinerary, we celebrate those who guarded our shores and supplied our troops. In the San Francisco Bay area, many of the places of this history are still visible – from Fort Mason to Moffett Field to the Kaiser Shipyard. They are tangible evidence of American resolve and resilience, preserving the stories of the Rosies and all the others who made a difference and who continue to inspire us today.” World War II in the San Francisco Bay Area was developed through a partnership of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the National Park Service (National Register of Historic Places, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Rosie the Riveter – World War II Home Front National Historical Park, Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial, San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park), the Organization of American Historians, the San Francisco Public Library, and the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers. The itinerary offers a description of historical significance, photographs, and visitor information for each of the 31 sites included. Six essays provide context on coastal defense, embarkation, mobilization, shipbuilding, the role of women, and preservation of the historic sites. In the “Learn More” section, users can find links to regional and local websites with information on cultural events, special activities, and lodging and dining possibilities. About Travel Itineraries – The National Register of Historic Places travel itineraries are created by the National Park Service to highlight the rich diversity of places listed in the National Register, promote public awareness of history, and encourage heritage tourism across the nation. The National Register partners with communities, regions, national heritage areas, preservation organizations, and other stakeholders to develop the itineraries and add them to the National Park Service website where they are accessed by more than 40,000 Internet visitors each week. About the National Register of Historic Places – The National Register is the nation's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects significant in American history, architecture, archeology, engineering, and culture. Listing in the National Register provides recognition that a property is significant to the heritage of the nation, the state, or the community.
EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA™ The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.
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