We’ve all heard of Rosie the Riveter. We know that during World War II women entered the U.S. workforce in record numbers, taking on many roles previously filled only by men. In fact, according to History.com, in 1943 roughly 65% of the United States’ aircraft industry was comprised of women. On the home front, six million women served in factories and three million volunteered with the Red Cross during the war. By all accounts, women were a critical factor in the Allied forces eventual victory. In fact, the United States utilized women almost from the very start. According to the Defense Logi ..read more

The Wright Museum opened its doors for the season on May 1, 2024, kicking off a season that will see it celebrate its 30th year. Located in Wolfeboro, Hew Hampshire, the Wright Museum recognizes and honors the contributions and enduring legacy of World War II-era Americans through interactive exhibits, lecture series, and a comprehensive look at how both the battlefront and the home front provided a profound, enduring impact on American society. “We are always excited to open our doors for the season,” said Wright Museum Executive Director Peggy Hennelly-Maniates, “but this year is really spec ..read more

Please join Wolfeboro’s American Legion Harriman-Hale Post 18 at the Wright Museum of World War II for a monthly “Veterans Social Muster” (VSM), which will be open to all veterans. The VSM will be an opportunity for veterans to meet and informally socialize with fellow veterans. The American Legion will invite expert speakers to present a wide range of topics of interest to veterans, followed by an informal social hour. Topic areas include Veterans Outreach Programs, New Hampshire Veterans benefits, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), the American Legion’s Anti-Suicide Program (“Be the One ..read more

As the world was engulfed in the turmoil of World War II, nations mobilized their resources and populations in an unprecedented effort to secure victory. However, the battleground was not confined to far-off lands. It extended to the very streets and homes of civilians. Amidst the sacrifices and cooperation demanded by the war effort, one aspect of civilian life stood out as both symbolic and crucial: the blackout. During World War II, blackouts were not merely an inconvenience. They were also a strategic necessity. The concept was simple yet profound: extinguish all artificial lights in citie ..read more

Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Wright Museum of World War II with special apparel and gift items. The store is open now through May 12, 2024. Visit the online store here. Learn more about the 30th Anniversary celebration events here. The post 30th Anniversary Online Store Open Now Through May 12. appeared first on Wright Museum of World War II ..read more

Recently, The Saturday Evening Post named The Wright Museum of World War II among the nation’s best private military museums. The publication highlighted the museum’s focus on “the small things, particularly when it comes to the home front.” This statement recognizes the unique aspect of the museum’s comprehensive look at America’s “greatest generation,” which focuses not only on the battle front but also on the incredible contributions and changes that occurred at home. In addition, the Post cited the Wright Museum’s dedication to preserving its collection as “a reminder that the realities o ..read more

Are you visiting New Hampshire for the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8th and looking for things to do over the weekend? To welcome visitors to the region, the Wright Museum will be open April 5-7! For a special pre-season rate of $10 ($8 for students), you can explore the Wright Museum’s permanent exhibits and learn about an influential period in American history. The museum will be open from 10am-4pm on Friday April 5th and Saturday April 6th, and from 12pm-4pm on Sunday April 7th. The museum will be closed on the day of the eclipse and will reopen for its regular season on May 1. Mak ..read more

The Wright Museum of World War II is thrilled to announce the appointment of Andy Mako as the new Chairman of the Board, effective immediately. With over 30 years of corporate experience as a Senior Financial Services Executive, Andy brings a wealth of leadership expertise to his new role, poised to drive the museum’s growth, innovation, and community impact. Since retirement, Andy has been an integral part of The Wright Museum’s governance structure, serving on the Board since 2015 and as Treasurer since 2016. His deep understanding of the museum’s mission and operations positions him well to ..read more

This photo, taken by Dorothea Lange in March, 1942 shows a sign put up by a Japanese American store owner in Oakland, CA after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The store was closed shortly afterwards as the owner was sent to a War Relocation Authority concentration camp for the duration of WWII. (Photo: Library of Congress) Executive Order 9066 Just two months after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, on February 19, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066. This order granted the Secretary of War the ability to “prescribe military areas in such places and of such extent a ..read more

In these days of email, instant messaging, and texting, it may be hard to comprehend the impact of not receiving mail, especially when in combat on the other side of the world. By 1944, a significant shortage of soldiers to manage the postal service created a vast backlog of mail and packages in the European Theater. Officials knew that the undelivered mail was hurting morale, but were unsure how to solve the problem. Enter Mary McLeod Bethune, educator and political activist, who was attempting to gain the support of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt for “a role for black women in the war overseas ..read more