National Parks Service's Oldest Ranger Retires In Richmond At 100

RICHMOND, CA — The National Park Service's oldest active ranger, whose interpretive programs in Richmond illuminated the histories of Black Americans and other people of color, retired Thursday at 100 years old.

After a decade and a half of sharing her experiences and the efforts of women from diverse backgrounds who worked on the World War II home front, Betty Reid Soskin retired Thursday, the parks service said in a news release.

Soskin, who turned 100 in September, spent her last working day providing an interpretive program to the public and visiting with coworkers at Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park.

“To be a part of helping to mark the place where that dramatic trajectory of my own life, combined with others of my generation, will influence the future by the footprints we've left behind has been incredible,” Soskin said.

Soskin became a permanent parks service employee in 2011. She has led public programs and shared her personal remembrances and observations at the park visitor center.

Chuck Sams, director of the parks service, said Soskin has had a profound impact on his agency.

"I am grateful for her lifelong dedication to sharing her story and wish her all the best in retirement," Sams said. "Her efforts remind us that we must seek out and give space for all perspectives so that we can tell a more full and inclusive history of our nation. Congratulations, Betty!"

Before joining the parks service, Soskin helped Richmond officials and the parks service develop a management plan for Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park. She worked with the parks service on a grant to uncover untold stories of Black Americans on the Home Front during World War II. The work led to a temporary position working with the parks service at age 84.

"Being a primary source in the sharing of that history – my history – and giving shape to a new national park has been exciting and fulfilling,” Soskin said. “It has proven to bring meaning to my final years.”

Naomi Torres, acting superintendent of the Richmond park, thanked Soskin for sharing her stories and other first-person accounts.

“She has used stories of her life on the Home Front, drawing meaning from those experiences in ways that make that history truly impactful for those of us living today,” Torres said.

The historical park plans to celebrate Soskin's retirement April 16 in Richmond.