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The Henry Ford Celebrates WWII Female Veterans with Empowering Exhibit

The Henry Ford, located in Dearborn, Michigan, has officially opened a transformative exhibition titled "Our War Too: Women in Service". This groundbreaking showcase pays homage to the vital contributions made by nearly 350,000 American women who answered the call of duty during World War II. The exhibition, organized by The National WWII Museum in New Orleans and supported by The Gayle and Tom Benson Charitable Foundation, will be displayed until September 7, 2025, in the Gallery by General Motors within the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation.

While narratives around the American Home Front during WWII often highlight women's roles in traditional domestic settings, "Our War Too" shifts the focus to the courageous women who served in various branches of the U.S. military, including the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). This exhibition brings to light the contributions of remarkable pioneers and trailblazers, including the 73,000 women who served in the Army and Navy Nurse Corps. Their commitment fundamentally changed perceptions of military service and expanded opportunities for women in the armed forces.

The exhibition features a diverse array of artifacts sourced from the National WWII Museum's extensive collection, illuminating the personal narratives, motivations, and successes of these servicewomen. Visitors can view items belonging to nurses, drivers, bakers, and engineers—women who filled crucial roles with determination and resilience, often against prevailing societal attitudes and institutional barriers.

In addition to static displays, "Our War Too" incorporates innovative interactive experiences designed to engage visitors more deeply. Featured elements include:

• - Digital Scrapbook: This engaging element showcases wartime memory books created by women, allowing visitors to connect personally with the experiences documented within.
• - Short Films: Three succinct films highlight the service and legacy of female trailblazers, further enriching the exhibition experience.
• - Interactive Biographies: Utilizing cutting-edge artificial intelligence, guests can partake in virtual conversations with the likes of Romay Johnson Davis, a driver in the segregated 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion; Virginia Leeman Wilterdink, an Army nurse with the 314th General Hospital Unit; and Florence Smith, a baker in the Coast Guard's Women's Reserve (SPARs). This feature holds a library of over 1,000 responses per subject, providing unique glimpses into the lives of these extraordinary women.

As visitors navigate through the exhibit, it becomes evident that "Our War Too: Women in Service" is not just a historical account; it stands as a celebration of valiance, a recognition of untold stories, and a powerful reminder of how the bravery displayed by women during past conflicts continues to shape opportunities for women today. The exhibition invites guests to reflect on the critical roles these women played, encouraging a more profound understanding of their contributions to society.

Don't miss the chance to experience this inspiring event at The Henry Ford before it concludes on September 7, 2025. For more information, visit www.thehenryford.org.

About The Henry Ford

The Henry Ford is a renowned destination focused on promoting learning and inspiration through hands-on experiences with artifacts representing American innovation and resourcefulness. The site encompasses the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village, the Ford Rouge Factory Tour, and more.

About The National WWII Museum

The National WWII Museum narrates the story of the American experience during the war that transformed the world. Established in 2000 and designated by Congress as America’s National WWII Museum, it serves to honor the sacrifices and achievements of all those who served.