Nicola Ginzler

Senior Graphic Designer
Horizontal image. In center: at top, illustration of National Park Service tan "flat hat" with dark brown band. Superimposed on that, in black type: "Happy Birthday to Our NATIONAL PARK SERVICE." In center, illustration of "Rosie the Riveter" style head scarf, red with big white polka dots. Superimposed on that, in black type: "Congratulations for 25 Years to ROSIE the RIVETER National Historical Park." At bottom, black bar with white type, "August 25, 2025 - Richmond, CA."

The National Park Service and Rosie the Riveter National Historical Park anniversary celebration card

Type of Work:
Type of Client:

The Client

The National Park Service celebrated its 109th anniversary on August 25, 2025 and Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, CA also celebrated its 25th birthday in 2025. NPS and Rosie the Riveter NHP had an anniversary party at the National Historical Park site in Richmond on August 25, 2025. The event (part of a national Day of Action) was organized by East Bay historian Donna Graves, who has worked to develop the Rosie park since its inception 25 years ago. Our other partner in creating the “birthday card” was Gwen Rico from the Indivisible East Bay LGBTQ+ Working Group—I’m a member too.

The people assembled were there for a day of action called “Protect Our Parks, Save Our Histories,” in protest at attempts by President Donald Trump’s second administration to defund national parks — and what organizers called the White House’s effort to “erase inclusive narratives from public interpretation.” — https://www.kqed.org/news/12053628/richmond-rally-national-parks-trump-white-house-rosie-the-riveter-world-war-ii-homefront

The Challenge

The organizers wanted a large folding card with a graphic on the outside and room for many visitor signatures and messages on the inside. They wanted the card design to be big enough to be prominently visible in any photos of the event, and specified that it should include a visual of the standard-issue NPS “flat hat” worn by all Park Rangers.

The Solution

For the card I used a 64″ x 48″ heavy cardboard sheet, folded down the middle to 32″ x 48″, and for the writing surface inside, a sheet of white 26″ x 40″ poster board. I created a 32″ x 48″ design for the outside of the card, with illustrations of the NPS “flat hat” and, to continue with the headwear theme, the red-and-white polka dot scarf of the iconic “Rosie the Riveter” illustration (see below). I chose retro fonts Advertising Script Bold and Futura for a “1940s poster” feel. I hand-taped the white signature sheet inside the card.

The Impact

The celebration was attended by more than 200 people—some reports quoted up to 300—and got excellent press coverage (see below). I received exceptional feedback from the clients:

Nicola,

Thank you so much for your creative leadership in making the Rosie/NPS birthday card! Folks LOVED the card—the inside was completely filled with signatures, and the park staff were delighted when we presented it to them after the event. The event was very well attended and got great press. Thanks again for helping make it happen.

Best, Gwen & Donna

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Vertical image. At top, illustration of National Park Service tan "flat hat" with dark brown band. Superimposed on that, in black type: "Happy Birthday to Our NATIONAL PARK SERVICE." In center, illustration of "Rosie the Riveter" style head scarf, red with big white polka dots. Superimposed on that, in black type: "Congratulations for 25 Years to ROSIE the RIVETER National Historical Park." At bottom, black bar with white type, "August 25, 2025 - Richmond, CA."

Outside of card, with National Park Service and Rosie the Riveter National Historical Park anniversary graphic

photo of hand signing a big card, with many brightly colored signatures around it.
Photo: Ted Thomas

Inside of card, filled with visitor signatures and messages

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Press coverage (click on photos to go to articles)

‘The time of need is now:’ Rally at Rosie park denounces Trump attacks
Photo of applauding crowd at National Park Service/Rosie the Riveter annibersary celebration
Kimberley Rodler (center left) cheers during the National Park Service’s 109th birthday celebration at Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, Calif., on Aug. 25, 2025. Rodler, who brought an American flag from her childhood in 1968 and her husband’s hard hat, said she made signs that morning and came to support the event.
Hands off our parks! Hands off our histories!

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Information about the NPS “flat hat” and the iconic “Rosie the Riveter” poster

Group of smiling National Parks Service Rangers wearing Ranger clothes and the iconic NPS "flat hats."
Rangers rally together during the Junior Ranger Jamboree in 2016. ©Alison Taggart-Barone/Parks Conservancy

“What’s the story of the iconic National Park Service ranger ‘flat hat’?” (click to go to article)

Rosie the Riveter, media icon associated with female defense workers during World War II. Since the 1940s Rosie the Riveter has stood as a symbol for women in the workforce and for women’s independence.

Rosie the Riveter, media icon associated with female defense workers during World War II. Since the 1940s Rosie the Riveter has stood as a symbol for women in the workforce and for women’s independence.

“We Can Do It!,” poster by J. Howard Miller. National Archives, Washington, D.C. (ARC identifier 535413)

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