Betty Reid Soskin, the National Park Service’s oldest active ranger, has resigned after more than 15 years of sharing her biographies , including those from World War II, at Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historic Park in Richmond. Soskin made news in September after reaching 100 years old, earning her the park service’s oldest park ranger. Her departure from active duty will be marked by a public ceremony on April 16.
According to accounts, the centenarian’s work as a park ranger has assisted the park service in evolving the way it communicates history to guests.
Soskin stated in a statement announcing her retirement that it’s been fantastic to be a part of helping to designate the area where that tremendous trajectory of her own life, together with others of her generation, can affect the future by the imprints they have left behind.
During WWII, the 100-year-old – who was then a young lady – worked as a file clerk in a segregated Union hall. She and her spouse Mel Reid went on to open Reid’s Records, a record store. In 2019, the business was officially shuttered.
Happy Retirement, Betty!
— National Park Service (@NatlParkService) March 31, 2022
Betty Reid Soskin, the oldest active ranger in the National Park Service at age 100, retired today after a remarkable career. Learn more: https://t.co/sUOb3R5ZFQ
📸Betty Reid Soskin @RosieRiveterNPS pic.twitter.com/u1vDWqqwwA
Soskin, who was 89 at the time, was hired as a permanent employee of the National Park Service in 2011. She delivered public events and shared experiences and ideas at the park visitor centre as part of her job.
Soskin added that it’s been exciting and rewarding to be a primary source in the telling of that history, her history and giving shape to a new national park. It has given purpose to her latter years.
“Betty has had a remarkable influence on the National Park Service and the way we carry out our goal,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams. “Her efforts remind us that we must seek out and accommodate all points of view in order to convey a more complete and inclusive history of our country.”
Betty, our sincere gratitude for your administration, and we wish you a wonderful retirement!
