One of the most exciting things for the collection's staff is when we receive a donation with excellent provenance.  This is especially true when a donation has historical images associated with it that shows the artifact "in action."  One such example is a parachute rigging kit that belonged to Zilda De Carlo.

A smiling woman in a U.S. Navy uniform and hat, wearing white gloves, poses for a portrait.

Zilda De Carlo in her WAVES uniform.

Zilda De Carlo was born July 2, 1913 in North Hollywood, California. She was the youngest of four children to Frank and Vincenza (Dinino) De Carlo. Their sons, Ray, Bill, and Nick, also served in the Armed Forces. Zilda enrolled in Parachute Rigger School at Lakehurst in January 1943 after completing WAVES basic training at Hunter College in The Bronx.

Parachute Riggers KIt

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