During the second world war, women stepped up in unprecedented numbers to work the factory jobs vacated by men who were fighting overseas. These unsung heroes became collectively known as “Rosie the Riveter.” At least two works of art from the wartime period became associated with Rosie – and one of them has become an iconic image for the feminist movement. Several women claimed to be the one who inspired the illustration. Who is the real Rosie? The journey to find the answer to this question took me to some unexpected places and unearthed some incredible history that should not be forgotten.