The Napa County Historical Society and Napa County Landmarks present From Battleships to Apron Strings: How WWII created Napa’s Swingin’ Fifties. On display now thru February 28th, the exhibition highlights the impact of WWII on Napa County. For this special Sunday program with the curator, attendees will view a ½ hour presentation about WWII and Napa, and then have a chance to hear stories from attendees about their experiences in 1940s and 1950s Napa County.

World War II transformed Napa County from a predominately rural community into a bustling, populace area. The war brought a huge number of people to Napa from all around the United States as job opportunities opened up at Mare Island Naval Yard and Basalt Rock Company. The end of the war, however, would create the greatest transformation for Napa. While many locals expected the new industrial workforce to leave following Japan’s surrender, most people stayed, establishing families and homes. With a now permanently large population, Napa quickly adjusted to its sudden growth. New housing developments, automobiles, and a big population expanded throughout Napa County.