Rosies and Ruth!

On September 12th, I journeyed to the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum’s “Women in Aviation and Space” with precious cargo. I came to present a character, “Ruth Law”, the pioneering aviator but I brought with me two talented actor/interpreters portraying “Rosie the Riveter”. Desiree Gibson and Laura Rocklyn were the Rosies and they were a sensation. While I posed and regaled guests with Ruth Law’s daring, record setting, feats in the Early Aviation Gallery, the “Rosie’s” worked on the main floor, helping guests dress and pose in front of a Rosie backdrop (and a spectacular aircraft). The actor/interpreters told guests what the women working in aircraft and wartime factories did and how they lived. It’s a fascinating story and one that guests were hungry for.

Views of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Women in Aviation and Space Heritage Family Day; Saturday, September 12, 2015; National Mall Building; Washington, DC. Special guests included NASA Astronaut Mary Cleave, Science Cheerleaders, VEX Robotics, and early aviator, Ruth Law. Photos by Bill Cooper, volunteer photographer. [NASM2015-05673]

Desi Gibson poses as “Rosie the Riveter” for Women in Space and Aviation Day photo by Natalie Zanin