Support Red Oak Victory

Support Us

The Red Oak Victory is part of the Richmond Museum Association (RMA), a non-profit organization that relies exclusively on donations from private citizens, foundations, and corporations for operating funds. The RMA and Red Oak Victory need your help to continue carrying out our mission of educating about the inspiring local history of Richmond, California.

Donate

The Red Oak Victory is run by an all-volunteer crew, and donations go directly into operating funds to perform maintenance and restoration work such as painting, replacing worn canvas, repairing rigging, and other ongoing tasks. Donations of any size help and are deeply appreciated by the volunteer crew.

Victory Ship Revival

Red Oak Victory is partnering with Rosie the Riveter Trust, the Boilermakers Union Local 549, and the Rosie the Riveter World War II Home Front National Historical Park to continue renovation and revival work on the last surviving ship built in the Kaiser Shipyards during World War II.

Red Oak Victory last entered the shipyard for a complete overhaul in 2011. Weather and time have continued to take a toll on the deck and superstructure, creating an ongoing need for preservation work, materials, equipment, and skilled volunteer labor.

The Victory Ship Revival effort has already supported work to repair and restore rusted railings and deck plating and to replace the galley exhaust stack. Many project volunteers also signed on as regular Red Oak Victory crew members, strengthening the volunteer team that keeps the ship open, maintained, and moving forward.

Continued financial and volunteer support is needed to purchase supplies, obtain equipment, and complete ongoing restoration work.

How you can help

• Donate fundsHelp purchase supplies or rent equipment needed for restoration.
• Donate supplies or temporarily lend equipmentSupport ongoing projects with tools, materials, and equipment.
• Volunteer to work with us on the shipJoin the crew and take part in preservation and revival efforts.
• Spread the word about the Victory Ship RevivalHelp more people learn about the project and the ship.

Volunteer

You must think historic ships are cool or you wouldn’t be on this website! Now is your chance to help maintain, preserve, and represent Red Oak Victory, one of the most important historic ships in the country.

Red Oak Victory is the last remaining ship of the 747 vessels built at California’s Richmond-Kaiser shipyards during World War II. The Kaiser shipyards were vital to American victory in the war, and they were also connected to major changes in civil rights, equal opportunity, labor relations, company-provided health care, housing assistance, and day care. Helping tell the story of Red Oak Victory is more than telling the story of a World War II ship; it is the story of a significant part of American history and progress.

The ship is open for engineering and deck work on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On Sundays, the ship is open for public tours. Special events throughout the year include school field trips, dances, music events, and Pancake Breakfasts. As part of the all-volunteer crew, volunteers can contribute to any or all of these activities.

Volunteer opportunities include:

• Docents and greeters for public toursHelp welcome visitors and share the story of the ship.
• Engineering and deck workSupport the systems and shipboard work that keep Red Oak Victory active and cared for.
• Maintenance, painting, cleaning, and restorationJoin hands-on preservation work throughout the ship.
• Specialty trades such as welding, painting, and riggingContribute technical skills that support ongoing restoration.
• Support for school field trips and special eventsHelp the crew host educational visits and community programs.
• Marketing, photography, video, writing, and other content supportHelp tell the story of the ship and share its work with wider audiences.

If you are interested in volunteering, email info@redoakvictory.us.

Other Ways to Give

Employer Matching Gifts

Many employers match charitable contributions made by their employees. Check with your employer to see whether they offer a matching gift program that can increase the impact of your support for Red Oak Victory and the Richmond Museum Association.

Donate a Vehicle

Red Oak Victory supporters may also be able to donate a vehicle to support the ship. Vehicle donation programs can provide another way to contribute to preservation, maintenance, and education work without making a direct online contribution.

Donate a Vehicle

If you would like to ask about vehicle donation or other support options, email info@redoakvictory.us.