People

Frances Williams worked as a welder in the Charlestown Navy Yard and South Boston Annex during World War II. Her oral history provides a unique perspective as to what it was like working at the Yard during World War II.

Helen Priest worked at the Charlestown Navy Yard as a sheet metal worker and time clerk during World War II.

Elizabeth Dugan worked as a tool keeper in the Charlestown Navy Yard at the height of World War II, from the summer of 1942 to January 1946.

He was ready, on the capture of Fort Pulaski, to aid the Union and assist freedom seekers in securing their freedom.

As a marker in the supply department during WWII, Mary Doherty played an integral role in shipping at the Charlestown Navy Yard.

In 1943, 27-year-old Mary O'Brien walked into the Charlestown Navy Yard seeking employment. With her decision, O'Brien took an active role in supporting the country's efforts during World War II.

Virginia Wilder Parker worked as a welder at the Charlestown Navy Yard during World War II. Parker excelled in her craft, becoming one of only seven women employed by the Navy in Boston to be promoted to welder, second class.

Serving at sea was an easy way for men of color – free or especially enslaved – to escape bondage and the prejudices of land. At sea, men came from all over the world, practicing many religions, representing many ethnicities and many backgrounds. George Roberts found freedoms as a simple sailor that did not exist on land.

After witnessing the horrors of slavery firsthand as a mariner, Austin Bearse began supporting the abolition movement. He assisted freedom seekers on the Maritime Underground Railroad and became a leader of the 1850 Boston Vigilance Committee.

Lieutenant Commander Abele was in charge of the USS Grunion, which was lost at sea in World War II, while patrolling the Aleutian Islands. His submarine remained missing until 2006, when a team of explorers hired by Abele's three sons found the submarine.