Our War Too: Women in Service

Daily Hands-On Activities

Learn what life was like in the U.S. during WWII with guided activities showing how the war affected the everyday lives of Americans on the home front, from planting a victory garden to participating in scrap drives and more. Please check back for updates as activities change monthly.

The Willow Run Tribute Rosies
May 25, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Celebrate the opening of this exhibition with a visit from The Willow Run Tribute Rosies from the Michigan Flight Museum. This dedicated group embodies the spirit of the iconic Rosie the Riveter, honoring the contributions of women in wartime industries.

"Driving During WWII" Curator Talk
May 31, 11 a.m.

Learn about the end of domestic automobile production in early 1942 and the many challenges American drivers faced during the war years. This program is led by Jim Johnson, Director of Greenfield Village and Curator of Historic Structures & Landscapes.

Detroit Symphony Orchestra Dementia-Friendly Performance
July 8, 2-3 p.m.

Enjoy various pieces performed live by a chamber ensemble from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Selections may include "An Armed Forces Tribute," "Lili Marlene," "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" and "(There'll Be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs of Dover."

This program is provided in partnership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the Alzheimer's Association Michigan Chapter. The aim is to offer social and culturally significant events for individuals living with Alzheimer's and dementia. Priority seating is available for community groups impacted by dementia, but the performance is open to everyone.

If you or a loved one has dementia and would like to register, please call the Alzheimer's Association at 800-272-3900 or email helplinegmc@alz.org.

Wings of Change: The Women Airforce Service Pilots
July 13, 11 a.m.

Join Wendy Zielen, Executive and Development Director of Bendix Academy, for a captivating, interactive and emotional program combining firsthand accounts, archival photos and fascinating artifacts bringing these unsung heroes to life.

The program will explore the incredible story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots, WASP, who dared to fly, revolutionizing the role of women in aviation back home. In this tribute to their courage, skill and persistence, dive into the day-to-day realities and details of how they were recruited, trained and assigned critical flying duties across the U.S.

An ASL interpreter will be present at the program for those who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing.

Chef Demonstrations
August 21, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Take a delicious trip back to the 1940s as our talented chefs re-create popular American dishes from the WWII era, showcasing the ingenuity and resourcefulness of home cooks during this challenging time.

An ASL interpreter will be present at the demonstration for those who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing.

Home Front Special at Lamy's Diner
Offered May 25-September 7. Lunch served daily 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Send your tastebuds to the 1940s. Ask your server for details on the Home Front Special and enjoy other classic diner eats daily.

Music in the Market: Rhythm Society Orchestra
May 24-25, 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Immerse yourself in '30s and '40s Big Band music as Rhythm Society Orchestra's 15-piece band performs two 45-minute sets in Detroit Central Market located in Greenfield Village.