History

Special Display | The WAVES of WWII

Every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
March 6 - May 2 2026

10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
The MacArthur Memorial Visitors Center 198 Bank Street Norfolk, VA 23510, Price: Free
Special Display | The WAVES of WWII
Friday, March 6, 2026

Learn about the service of the USN WAVES in WWII through the story of Barbara G. Kelley Drolet.


During World War II, women were barred from serving in the regular armed forces but special reserves branches were founded that opened the door for female servicemembers to serve their country in a variety of roles both at home and overseas. Learn about the women’s reserves branch of the US Navy, the WAVES (Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Service), and explore the service of Barbara G. Kelley (Drolet) who served with the WAVES during WWII.

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