Victory at Last? Parades and Pink Slips

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To recognize the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, three New England parks hosted the symposium “Victory at Last? Parades and Pink Slips.” Speakers from Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park, the National Parks of Boston, and Lowell National Historical Park explored the years leading up to the end of the war and how 1945 acted as an economic, social, military, and military transition from war to peace. What was this year’s impact on workers involved in the defense industry, now quickly restructuring itself? This broad transition showed differing faces depending on location, industry, and worker identity.

Watch the introductory video to get an overview of wartime production before diving into the individual presentations.

Victory at Last Panel: Patriotism or Prejudice?

In "Patriotism or Prejudice?: Discrimination at the Charlestown Navy Yard," Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps Digital Public History Intern Megan Woods discusses the discrimination some workers faced at the Navy Yard. In this talk, she shares the experiences of two Black workers who stood up against this injustice and demonstrate the continued fight for civil rights during and following World War II. This presentation was part of the "Victory at Last" panel from August 29, 2020.

Duration:19 minutes, 15 seconds

Victory at Last Panel: Femmes and Homes

In "Femmes and Homes: French-Canadian Women in RI and Post-WWII Housing," Allison Meyette, an Americorps VISTA with the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park, dives into French Canadians' experience in the mills of the Blackstone River Valley. She also explores these migrants' influence in Rhode island from 1924-1950, which shaped the political, social, and residential landscape during and after World War II. This presentation was part of the "Victory at Last" panel from August 29, 2020.

Duration:19 minutes, 23 seconds

Victory at Last Panel: Women at War, at Home

In "Women at War, at Home: Lowell During World War II," Park Ranger Allison Horrocks explores the experiences of women who worked at the textile mills and the challenges they faced during and after the war. This presentation was part of the "Victory at Last" panel from August 29, 2020.

Duration:21 minutes, 54 seconds

Victory at Last Panel: Boston Female Shipbuilders, Post-War

In "Boston Female Shipbuilders, Post-War," interpretive Park Ranger Polly Kienle will explore how women's experiences in the wartime workforce impacted their identities and choices. This presentation was a part of the Victory at Last panel on August 29, 2020.

Duration:22 minutes, 5 seconds

Where this belongs

• Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park
• Boston National Historical Park
• Lowell National Historical Park

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