We Can Do It! WWII

APRIL 25, 2015 – JAN. 10, 2016
Discover how Pittsburgh affected World War II – and the war affected our region.

The We Can Do It! WWII traveling exhibition, sponsored by Erie Insurance, The Eberly Foundation, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), visited 18 cultural institutions throughout Western Pa. from 2017-2020.

The traveling exhibit explores Western Pennsylvania’s incredible impact on the home, industrial, and battle fronts during World War II.

Traveling exhibition schedule

Discover how Pittsburgh affected World War II – and the war affected our region – as part of the new exhibition, We Can Do It! WWII.

Developed by the History Center, this 10,000 square-foot exhibition focused on Pittsburgh’s role on both the home front and the battlefield during World War II.

The exhibition explored the development of the jeep, a uniquely American invention produced by the American Bantam Car Company in Butler, Pa., and revealed the stories behind real-life “Rosie the Riveters” and local Tuskegee Airmen whose contributions made an unquestionable impact on the war effort.

Featuring nearly 300 artifacts, four life-like museum figures, interactive displays, and immersive museum settings, We Can Do It! brought the 1940s to life as the nation commemorates the 75th anniversary of the start of WWII.

The History Center partnered with several organizations to develop the exhibit, including the Smithsonian Institution, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Soldiers and Sailors Museum, Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh, Veteran’s Voices, Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival, Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Fort Pitt Chapter, the Tuskegee Airmen of the Western Pennsylvania Region, Zippo/Case Museum, First Frontier Mechanized Cavalry, and more.

In the News

On the Blog

Want to know what to expect in the new We Can Do It! WWII exhibition? Watch this exciting informational video.

Recent visitors to the Heinz History Center probably have noticed a BIG new addition to the museum’s exterior.
Watch this video for exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from the big tank move in this new video. Enjoy it and find out more about how the tank rolled into the Strip!

Recently, we asked some of the History Center museum division and We Can Do It! WWII curators and designers about some of their favorite artifacts and areas in the exhibit. Watch these videos to learn more about some of the stories we tell in the We Can Do It! WWII exhibit from History Center staff.

WWII Photo Album

Hink Henderson
Floyd “Hink” Henderson (3rd from left) was a gunner on B-17 called the Wild Hare. Photo credit: Don Henderson

Carl Francis Murray
SSgt. Carl Francis Murray of the 411th AAA battalion attached to the Third Army, originally of Glassport, Pa. In the postwar years, he lived in Liberty Boro, Pa. This photo was taken in an unidentified town in France, most likely in the late summer or early fall of 1944, with a group of unidentified children. Submitted by Andrew Pfeifer.

Kay Gimbus, gas masks, 1943
Members of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) smile for the camera during gas mask drill, 1943. Courtesy of the Catherine Bogovich Papers and Photographs, MSS 599, Detre Library & Archives, Heinz History Center

Hink Henderson, flight training
Floyd “Hink” Henderson in flight training. Photo Credit: Don Henderson

John Elko, Pittsurgh Post-Gazette
This picture was saved when the Post-Gazette honored hometown heroes. John Elko, U.S. Marine Corp, was one of those heroes. Donated by Darlene Lankes.

Joseph Laquatra
Joseph Laquatra of Manchester served in the Marine Corps. He is pictured with his “little pin up girl”, Ida Louise Laquatra Yeager, in 1944. Submitted by Ida Louis Laquatra Yeager.

Lt. Mary Teresa (Bones) Furey
Lt. Mary Teresa (Bones) Furey served during WWII as a nurse in the Army Air Corps in the Pacific Theatre. She flew on what today would be called med-evac, transporting wounded Allied soldiers as well as wounded Japanese prisoners of war. This photo was taken in Manila when Mary, on the right, and a fellow nurse were on leave. Submitted by Joseph E. Furey.

Joseph DelTorre, USS Independence
Joseph DelTorre, US Navy, on his ship, the USS Independence, with his shipmates. Behind them is the board they marked when enemy planes were shot down. Submitted by Michele Vanetta.

Robert J. Ickert
Robert J. Ickert served in the Army during WWII. He worked as a waiter in an officer’s club. Submitted by Denise Myers.

Anna Mae
Anna Mae worked in the same plant as Anna (Brooks) Scaletta Morinello during WWII. Submitted by Deb Morinello.

Exhibit Gallery

Sherman Tank
The History Center recently installed a 38-ton, World War II Sherman tank in front of the museum’s Smithsonian wing. The 1944 M4A3(76)W HVSS Sherman tank, nicknamed the “Easy Eight,” participated in the “Battle of the Bulge” as part of the 8th Tank Battalion, Fourth Armored Division in December 1944.

The entrance to the History Center’s new We Can Do It! WWII exhibition features posters and photos from the war effort during WWII. Photo by Rachellynn Schoen.

1940 prototype Bantam Reconnaissance Car
“Gramps,” a 1940 prototype Bantam Reconnaissance Car (BRC) that is the oldest known Bantam jeep in existence, on loan from the Smithsonian.

Political Ribbons & Signs
A display of various political ribbons and signs showing Western Pennsylvania’s support of President Roosevelt’s National Recovery Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps. Run by the U.S. Army, the CCC introduced young men to reveille, uniforms, barracks, and camp life.

Rosie the Riveter
A life-like figure of the iconic Rosie the Riveter on display in the We Can Do It! WWII exhibition. Photo by Rachellynn Schoen.

The Hall of Industry
The Hall of Industry features artifacts produced for the Allied forces by a variety of Western Pennsylvania companies, including Westinghouse, U.S. Steel, Dravo, Alcoa, MSA, Heinz, American Bridge Company, Zippo, and many more. Photo by Rachellynn Schoen.

The Hall of Industry
Learn about how Pittsburgh’s industrial might influenced the outcome of WWII and the parts local companies like Curtiss-Wright, Westinghouse, Bantam, and more played in the war. Photo by Rachellynn Schoen..

Curtiss-Wright
Propeller blades and central mount for SB2C Helldiver dive bomber, Curtiss-Wright Propeller Division, Beaver, Pa., 1943 on display in the We Can Do It! WWII exhibit. This item is on loan from the Smithsonian Institution. Photo by Rachellynn Schoen.

This jeep, “Gramps,” is a 1940 prototype Bantam Reconnaissance Car (BRC) that is the oldest known Bantam jeep in existence . Photo by Rachellynn Schoen.

Hall of Industry
The Hall of Industry features artifacts produced for the Allied forces by a variety of Western Pennsylvania companies, including Westinghouse, U.S. Steel, Dravo, Alcoa, MSA, Heinz, American Bridge Company, Zippo, and many more. Photo by Rachellynn Schoen.

Take a photo and tag #WeCanDoItWWII
Take your photo driving a replica jeep in the We Can Do It! WWII exhibition. Tag your photos on Twitter and Instagram #WeCanDoItWWII

1940s Clothes
Several uniforms and pieces of clothing are on display, including these: a child’s U.S. Army Air Corp uniform, an Uncle Sam war bond drive costume c. 1942, and a woman’s trolley driver uniform worn by Anna Nixon of Pittsburgh.

Work Uniforms
Work uniforms on display representing various branches of the military during WWII. Far left: U.S. Army Medical Corps nurse’s uniform. Middle left: U.S. Navy machinist’s mate uniform. Middle right: U.S. Army Air Corps aviation mechanic uniform. Far right: U.S. Army infantryman uniform.

Gen. George C. Marshall
A life-like museum figure of Uniontown-native Gen. George C. Marshall sits at his desk reviewing maps and war plans.

On the Battlefield
See artifacts and vehicles that were used on the battlefield by local men and women who served in WWII. Photo by Rachellynn Schoen.

Lt. Carl J. Woods
Life-like museum figure of Tuskegee Airman Lt. Carl J. Woods. Photo by Rachellynn Schoen.

Restored WC-51 Weapons Carrier
This 3/4 ton 4×4 WC-51 weapons carried can be taken apart and reassembled. Photo by Rachellynn Schoen.

A display of artifacts from the “Mighty Eighth,” – the U.S. Eighth Air Force – a formidable air armada over Europe during WWII. Many Western Pennsylvanians served with the “Mighty Eighth” as pilots, bombardiers, navigators, and mechanics.

WWII Weaponry and Medals
A display of weaponry and medals from WWII including a M2 60mm light infantry mortar with one mortar round and the Purple Heart and personal effects of Pvt. Walter Yager of McKeesport.

Jeep
This early Willy’s jeep on display in We Can Do It! WWII features the slat-grill that was later replaced by a more inexpensive molded grill. Photo by Rachellynn Schoen.

Michael Strank
Joe Rosenthal’s Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph of the flag raising at Iwo Jima is the most famous photograph of World War II. As one of five Marines along with a U.S. Naval officer featured in the photo, a Western Pennsylvania soldier, Michael Strank, paid the ultimate price for service to his country. Photo by Rachellynn Schoen.

Dog tags
Nearly 7,000 dog tags hang from the ceiling. Each one represents 200 Pennsylvanians who served during WWII. Each one also represents five who gave their lives. Photo by Rachellynn Schoen.

Oral History
Seven thousand recreated dog tags hang from the ceiling in the special Veterans Voices room. The room features recordings from Western Pennsylvania WWII veterans. Photo by Rachellynn Schoen.

Artifact Gallery

Service on the Home Front
This poster stresses that every Pennsylvanian has a job to ensure victory from planting garden to civil defense. Photo from the Library of Congress.

Buy War Bonds
Barrage balloons anchored on Grant Street promote the continued purchase of war bonds. Thomas & Katherine Detre Library & Archives

Leyte Island, Philippines
The Coast Guard unloads LTSs at Leyte Island in the Philippines. Courtesy of National Archives and Records Administration.

The Double V Logo
The Double V campaign promoted victory over the Axis powers and victory at home over racism. Courtesy of The New Pittsburgh Courier.

War Ration Book
During the war, every American was issued ration books that contained removable stamps good for rationed items, such as sugar, meat, or canned goods. Thomas & Katherine Detre Library & Archives.

The First Jeep
The men who developed the jeep pause to commemorate the event outside the Bantam car factory. Courtesy of Smithsonian Institution.

Mary Sullivan
Armed services pins and dog tags from Bradford, Pa. native Mary Sullivan, who served during WWII. Courtesy of Betty Arenth.

Mitchell Paige
Medal of Honor recipient Mitchell Paige wore this jacket and pack. Courtesy of Eldred WWII Museum.

Anna Nixon
Anna Nixon responded to the call for women to drive trolleys during the war. Courtesy of Pennsylvania Trolley Museum.

VJ Day: War is Over
Crowds gather downtown to celebrate VJ Day. Thomas & Katherine Detre Library & Archives

Opening Day

Over 40 WWII veterans and their families and friends visited the History Center on Saturday, April 25, 2015 for the opening of the We Can Do It! WWII exhibit. The morning kicked off with a mini-motorcade of historic Jeeps. Also on display just for Opening Day was a Pennsylvania-built M3 Stuart tank, provided by the First Frontier Mechanized Cavalry Division. Visitors welcomed local WWII veterans into the museum through a receiving line – complete with confetti, mini American flags, and music provided by the Moon Area High School Band. Then everyone gathered in the museum’s first floor Great Hall for a special flag folding ceremony, where visitors and veterans helped unfurl and fold a giant 36-foot flag.

Did you miss opening day of the exhibit? Catch the highlights from all the festivities in this short video.

Opening Day Photo Gallery

Stuart Tank
History Center President & CEO Andy Masich with a combat-used Stuart tank and members of the First Frontier Mechanized Cavalry. Photo by Rachellynn Schoen.

Historic Jeeps
Jeeps and other historic vehicles provided by the First Frontier Mechanized Cavalry. Photo by Rachellynn Schoen.

Flag Folding Ceremony
We folded a 36-foot American flag in the History Center’s Great Hall as part of our opening day event. Photo by Rachellynn Schoen.

Mini-Motorcade
WWII veterans rode in historic jeeps in a mini-motorcade on Opening Day of the exhibit. Photo by Rachellynn Schoen.

Veterans in the Mini-Motorcade
WWII veterans rode in historic jeeps in a mini-motorcade on Opening Day of the exhibit. Photo by Rachellynn Schoen.

Moon High School Band
The Moon Area High School jazz quintet provided patriotic music. Photo by Rachellynn Schoen.

Rosie the Riveter and the Receiving Line
A receiving line and welcome from museum guests to WWII veterans on opening day. Photo by Rachellynn Schoen.

Mini-Motorcade
A receiving line and welcome from museum guests to WWII veterans on opening day. Photo by Rachellynn Schoen.

Thank You, Veterans
Veteran George D. Herwig is greeted by museum visitors. Photo by Rachellynn Schoen.

Ribbon Cutting
WWII veterans cut the ribbon and were the first to see the new exhibition. Photo by Rachellynn Schoen.

Thank You, Veterans
WWII veterans were greeted by History Center President and CEO Andy Masich as they entered the exhibit. Photo by Rachellynn Schoen.

Veterans in the Hall of Industry
Veterans stop to look at ‘Gramps,’ a 1940 prototype Bantam Reconnaissance Car (BRC) that is the oldest known jeep in existence, on loan from the Smithsonian, and built in Butler, Pa. Photo by Rachellynn Schoen.

Taking Photos
WWII veterans were the first to visit the new exhibition. Photo by Rachellynn Schoen.

Rosie the Riveter
Rosie the Riveter posing with WWII veterans George D. Herwig and History Center volunteer Walter Patton. Photo by Rachellynn Schoen.

Exhibit Sponsors

MSA The Safety Company
Richard King Mellon Foundation
The Heinz Endowments
The Bognar Family
Bob and Joan Peirce
UPMC Health Plan
ABARTA
Katherine Mabis McKenna Foundation
Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, P.C.
Jendoco Construction Corp.
Tricia and Bill Kassling
Miryam and Bob Knutson
Katherine Mabis McKenna Foundation
KDKA-TV
Millcraft Investments, Inc.
Schneider Downs & Co.
Catherine & Mark H. Loevner
Juergen Mross
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

On the Blog

More Information

If you’re interested in more information and videos about the topics covered in the We Can Do It! WWII exhibit, please take a look at the following videos, curated by Curator of History and lead We Can Do It! WWII curator Leslie Przybylek.