After more than 15 years of sharing her life tales, including those from World War II, at Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historic Park in Richmond, Betty Reid Soskin, the oldest active National Park Service ranger, has retired from her position.
Soskin made news in September when she turned 100, making her indubitably the oldest park ranger currently employed. April 16 has been set aside for a public event to celebrate her departure from service.
Happy Retirement, Betty!
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
— National Park Service (@NatlParkService) March 31, 2022
According to rumors, the centenarian’s work as a park ranger has assisted the park service in improving how it educates tourists about history.
“To be a part of helping to mark the location where that tremendous trajectory of my own life, together with others of my generation, will affect the future by the footprints we’ve left behind,” Soskin said in a statement announcing her retirement.
The 100-year-old, who was a young lady during World War II, used to work as a file clerk in a segregated Union hall. Later, she and her husband Mel Reid would open Reid’s Records, a record shop. 2019 saw the store’s official closure.
At the age of 89, Soskin joined the National Park Service as a permanent employee in 2011. She oversaw public events and presented stories and ideas at the park visitor center in her capacity as leader.
Being a primary source in the dissemination of that history—my history—and in the creation of a new national park, according to Soskin, has been exhilarating and rewarding.
It has shown to give my later years purpose.
Chuck Sams, director of the National Park Service, stated: “Betty has had a significant influence on the National Park Service and how we carry out our mission.
Her efforts serve as a reminder that in order to present a more complete and inclusive history of our country, we must actively seek out and accommodate all viewpoints.
