Betty Reid Soskin, Oldest National Park Ranger and WWII Home Front Advocate, Dies at 100

Betty Reid Soskin, the oldest National Park Service ranger, passed away peacefully at home in California at age 100, leaving behind a profound legacy of activism and historical preservation.

Soskin became an interpretive ranger at 85 at the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, California, where she ensured Black contributions were highlighted.

She played a crucial role in planning the park, advocating for the inclusion of often-overlooked stories of Black men and women, including the Port Chicago munitions explosion.

Soskin's multifaceted life included co-founding Reid's Records, being the first Black family in suburban Walnut Creek, and serving as a clerk for a segregated union during WWII.

Her significant contributions were recognized with honors like Woman of the Year and the National WWII Museum’s Silver Service Medallion, and her legacy continues through Betty Reid Soskin Middle School.