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.

Image: 
Volume: 
6
Resource Page Description: 
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.

Jumping into the Unknown

Essay discussing the history of women’s military service during World War II.

A Note from the Curator

A brief welcome and introduction to Our War Too: Women in Service by exhibit curator Kimberly Guise.