Monroe County History Center Features How Women At RCA Contributed To War Effort

(BLOOMINGTON) – From the jumpsuit made famous by Rosie the Riveter to the functional fabrics of the everyday woman, visit the Monroe County History Center as Kelly Richardson from the IU Elizabeth Sage Costume Collection presents a discussion on women’s wartime fashion during World War II.


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The display is open for viewing until April 29.
While women took blue collar jobs during World War II, their uniforms began to reflect a feminine presence in a male-dominated environment. On loan from Indiana University’s Elizabeth Sage Historic Costume Collection, a jumpsuit worn by a worker in Evansville, Indiana, will be on display, as well as other garments typical of RCA wartime workers.
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With the onset of World War II, the traditional social roles for men and women of Monroe County shifted drastically. With a large number of men overseas, women had to take up both roles. Women and RCA show how women contributed to the war effort, took care of their families, and shaped the identity of a post-World War II Monroe County.


The display will be open until May 18.
Getting to the Monroe County History Center is easy.
Located in the heart of downtown Bloomington, the center is located on the corner of Sixth and Washington streets, one block east of the courthouse square.
Our entrance is handicap accessible and is located on the west side of the building off of Washington Street.
HOURS:
Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
PARKING:
Metered parking is available throughout the downtown area and on both Washington and Sixth Streets directly in front of the MCHC or in the lot directly to the east of the MCHC. The rate for the parking meters is $1.00 per hour.
All city meters take change, credit/debit cards or work with the Parkmobile App. Public transportation is located nearby on Kirkwood Avenue, and the main bus station is located three blocks south of the MCHC.
ADMISSION FEES:
Adults: $2
Children 6-18: $1
Children 5 & under: Free
Admission to the Museum is free to members and guests of sustaining and patron members.
Membership starts at just $35 per year for an individual and may be purchased onsite or at Join MCHC.
Admission to the Genealogy Research Library is free during regular History Center hours.

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