What many may not realize though is that this poster was based upon the likeness of an actual person, a woman named Naomi Parker. Parker was photographed at her position in a machine shop at Naval Air Station Alameda in Oakland, California during March, 1942. The image was reproduced widely in the press at the time, and Parker’s likeness, complete with her iconic polkadot head scarf, went on to make history on a level that no one could have imagined at the time.
While it wasn’t until very recently that Naomi Parker received recognition for being the likely inspiration behind the iconic image above, she did at least get credit during her lifetime, something for which she was very proud. Sadly though, Naomi Parker (whose married name became Naomi Parker Fraley) passed away on January 20th, at the age of 95. In tribute to Parker, and indeed all of WWII’s ‘Rosie the Riveters’, The Flying Heritage and Combat Armor Museum in Everett, Washington is holding and event on February 17th between 1 and 4pm honoring their legacy. The details are as follows…
• First 100 guests through the door will receive a FREE Women of War Pilot Poster
• Rosie the Riveter Button for first 200 Guests
• Rosie the Riveter Coloring Station
• Women in the Military Guest Speaker(s)
• Paper Airplane Station
• Rosie Inspired Treats
• Rosie the Riveter Photo Booth
• Pin-up photos in front of the P51
• FREE admission for guests who come dressed as Rosie the RiveterSchedule:
• 1:00PM: Event Begins
• 2:00PM: Welcome & Women in the Military Round table
• 3:00PM: Rosie the Riveter Group Photo in front of the P51
• 3:00PM: Rosie the Riveter Treat Station
• 4:00PM: Event Ends
This event is free with paid museum admission. Those who come dressed in Rosie the Riveter attire will receive FREE entry from 1pm-4pm.
For more information email info@flyingheritage.com or call 206-342-4242.
EVENT LOCATION
Free parking for this event will be available at FHCAM and nearby lots. The address is 3407 109th St SW, Everett, WA 98204
Richard Mallory Allnutt's aviation passion ignited at the 1974 Farnborough Airshow. Raised in 1970s Britain, he was immersed in WWII aviation lore. Moving to Washington DC, he frequented the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum, meeting aviation legends.
After grad school, Richard worked for Lockheed-Martin but stayed devoted to aviation, volunteering at museums and honing his photography skills. In 2013, he became the founding editor of Warbirds News, now Vintage Aviation News. With around 800 articles written, he focuses on supporting grassroots aviation groups.
Richard values the connections made in the aviation community and is proud to help grow Vintage Aviation News.
