The Industrial Relations Section and the Princeton University Library have opened a new exhibit featuring a slice of history–both Princeton history and the historic movement of women in industry during WWII.

Located at the Luis Simpson International Building in the Industrial Relations Section, the exhibit “Powering Up the U.S. Labor Force: Women in Industry During World War II (1940-1945)” provides visitors with an immersive look at the impact of Helen Baker, who, in 1930, joined Princeton as the first Section librarian and research assistant and went on to become Princeton’s first female associate professor in 1948.

During her tenure as Section librarian and research assistant, Baker developed an unparalleled collection of industrial relations material at Princeton University Library. Over the course of her career, Baker became the most respected woman in the field of corporation policy concerning personnel relations and she wrote or co-authored over 20 research reports published by the Section as well as several journal articles.

The exhibit sheds light on Baker’s work as she researched and advocated for women’s rights in the labor force during WWII. Demonstrating the breadth and depth of the subject matter from the most authoritative sources at the time of publication, the collection illustrates how incredibly well connected the Section was with agencies, industry, and unions. 

When asked about the content of the exhibition, Labor Economics Librarian and exhibit curator Charissa Jefferson stated, “because Baker’s research output was so extensive beyond the exhibition’s subject matter of women in the labor force, visitors will be able to view a concise list of Baker’s works that I created using her personal data from our University Archives. The exhibition is both a nod to the feat of woman power in the labor force and the efforts of women in research about the labor force.”

Inspired by her research into Baker, Jefferson considered ways women overcame stereotypes when joining traditionally male-dominated fields as she planned the exhibition. The themes shown in the exhibit detail women’s health, safety, and hygiene in the workplace, as well as considerations like childcare responsibilities and work hours, and wages and economic independence.

Critical Time for Research

When Baker published her book, “Women in War Industries,” in 1942, the timing was critical as the United States joined WWII and industries across the country lost employees to the war effort. At the same time, an influx of women entered the workforce, changing the labor landscape and leading to a drastic shift in labor planning.

“We know that responding to the national emergency for defense industries necessitated hiring women who, despite being needed, were overlooked because of their age or marital status,” said Jefferson. “Attention to policies and procedures, which Baker’s research highlighted, was one very necessary component to reestablishing industry employment opportunities for women in these categories.”

It’s clear that Baker’s findings had a direct impact on the labor force during this time. Jefferson explains, “The research Baker conducted, which became the analysis for Women in War Industries, revealed many outstanding and outdated discriminatory practices that industries were still engaging in that prevented women from entering the workforce during the wartime emergency. Data speaks, and I believe that when Secretary Francis Perkins had Baker’s preliminary report, Perkins could point to specifics and address unseen issues for women immediately.”

Baker at Princeton

During her 25 years at Princeton, Baker broke barriers and helped shape the Industrial Relations Section. She operated at the forefront of her field of research and impacted national policy.

Director of the Industrial Relations Section from 1926 until 1955, James Douglas Brown, often collaborated with Baker. It’s clear from their correspondence and photos that Brown and Baker had a positive working relationship, which contributed to their success as they shaped an important time within the Industrial Relations Section’s legacy.

When asked if Baker faced any obstacles as she broke the glass ceiling, becoming Princeton’s first woman associate professor, Jefferson said, “I have my suspicions that Baker was productive and useful to the Section and that her promotion was supported by professional peers and colleagues throughout the campus community. Baker was more than qualified for her status, and I believe that her impact was undeniable.”

The legacy of women professors and associate professors at Princeton began with Helen Baker, just one of her many impressive achievements. Jefferson concludes, “Based on my research, the legacy of the Industrial Relations Section could not have been made possible without the stewardship of such hidden figures as Helen Baker and J. Douglas Brown.”

Visit the Exhibit

Open now, the exhibit will go through multiple phases, showcasing different aspects of women in the labor force. Through the end of January 2025, the exhibit is presenting “Shifting Opportunities: Training, Employment, and Wages.” From February through April 2025, themes will center “Balancing Needs: Maternity, Child Care, and Work Hours,” and the final iteration will focus on “Setting Standards: Health, Safety, and Productivity” from May through June 2025. Stay tuned for more details about a public event at the exhibit honoring women in labor economics to be hosted at the end of April.

We encourage interested parties to visit the exhibit throughout it’s run to enjoy the full story. Questions about the exhibit can be directed to Charissa Jefferson.