During World War II nearly 350,000 American women served in the US Armed Forces. These women shattered society’s expectations of what was acceptable and proved what was possible. Their service not only helped the Allied powers win the war but also helped American women gain expanded roles and rights in the military and in society. The Museum created this classroom guide to help teachers share the many and varied stories of women in uniform highlighted in the Our War Too: Women in Service special exhibition. Developed in collaboration with current classroom teachers, the lessons and activities in this guide cover topics such as the diverse range of jobs women held in the military, the challenges women faced in serving their nation, and the enduring legacy of women’s WWII service.
Full-size artifact images for use with the What’s In Your Footlocker? Lesson Plan.
Primary sources for use with the Forging Freedom Lesson Plan.
In this clip from The Manhattan Project Electronic Field Trip, student reporter Isaac and Elliot Schultz from the Bradbury Science Museum explore the former WAC barracks at Los Alamos. They then return back to the museum to learn about the work at Los Alamos National Laboratory today and reflect on the complicated legacy of the Manhattan Project. View the video at https://youtu.be/mB2yPxTBu1I
In this short interview, author Liza Mundy discusses the inspiring story of American women code breakers of World War II. Thousands of talented women were secretly recruited and trained during the war to become code breakers for the US Army and Navy. Mundy interviewed surviving code girls and did extensive archival research to bring this until story into the spotlight. View the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sNm79lkOO4
This video from The National WWII Museum’s special exhibition, Our War Too, discusses the legacy of American women who served in World War II and the impact their service continues to have on women even today.
This video from The National WWII Museum’s special exhibition, Our War Too, discusses the roles, challenges, and experiences of the 350,000 American women who served in the military during World War II.
The Legacy of Women’s Military Service in World War II
Essay discussing the long-lasting impact of women’s military service during World War II.
The Women’s Army Corps and the Manhattan Project
Essay discussing the range of roles women played in the development of the atomic bombs.
Walking in Her Shoes
Essay discussing how to conduct oral histories with women veterans.
Race and Women’s Military Service during World War II
Essay discussing the challenges women of color faced serving in a segregated military.
