Betty Reid Soskin died peacefully on December 21, 2025, at age 104. The oldest ranger ever to serve the U.S. National Park Service passed away at home. Family members surrounded her during her final moments. Her death marks the end of an extraordinary life of service.
Soskin became a celebrated figure in American history through her groundbreaking work. She served as a National Park Service interpreter and ranger for 15 years. Her position at Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park shaped national narratives. She ensured overlooked stories of women and people of color received recognition.
Born Into History: Early Life and Racial Segregation
Soskin was born on September 22, 1921, in Detroit, Michigan. She grew up in a family with deep roots in African American history. Racial segregation marked her youth and early career experiences. These challenges shaped her understanding of American inequality.
During World War II, she worked in a segregated union hall in California. This firsthand experience of discrimination later informed her ranger work. She witnessed how Black women contributed to the war effort without recognition. These memories became central to her storytelling at the national park.
Joining National Park Service at 85 Years Old
Soskin joined the National Park Service in 2007 at age 85. Initially, she served as a volunteer docent at the Richmond, California park. Her knowledge and passion quickly became invaluable to the institution. She became a permanent employee in 2011 at age 90.
Her late-career start demonstrated that service has no age limit. She brought lived experience that no textbook could provide. Her personal recollections of the World War II era enriched every presentation. Visitors connected deeply with her authentic storytelling approach.
Reshaping World War II Narratives at Rosie the Riveter Park
Soskin helped transform how Americans understand the home front during World War II. The Rosie the Riveter National Historical Park initially focused on white women workers. She insisted on including stories of Black women’s contributions. Her advocacy fundamentally changed the park’s educational mission.
She guided visitors through complex histories of segregation and discrimination. Her presentations revealed how Black women faced double barriers during wartime. They contributed to victory while fighting racism at home. These nuanced narratives challenged simplistic patriotic stories about the era.
Engaging Storytelling Made History Come Alive
Soskin became renowned for her captivating presentation style. She shared personal memories that brought history to life for audiences. Her passion for inclusive history resonated with visitors of all backgrounds. Young people especially connected with her authentic voice.
She continued guiding tours and delivering talks into her late 90s. Her energy and mental sharpness amazed everyone who met her. Visitors traveled from across the country specifically to hear her speak. She transformed dry historical facts into compelling human stories.
Retiring at 100 as America’s Oldest Active Ranger
Soskin retired in March 2022 at the remarkable age of 100. She held the distinction as the nation’s oldest serving park ranger. Her retirement ended 15 years of dedicated service to the National Park Service. However, her influence on the institution continued long after.
The National Park Service honored her contributions with numerous recognitions. Her work set new standards for inclusive historical interpretation. She proved that diverse voices strengthen national narratives. Her legacy transformed how parks tell American stories.
Pioneer in Black Entrepreneurship and Civil Rights Activism
Soskin’s influence extended far beyond the national parks. She co-founded Reid’s Records, one of California’s earliest Black-owned music stores. The business served the Bay Area community for decades. It provided cultural space for African Americans during segregation.
She remained active in civil rights and community organizing throughout her life. Her work connected local struggles with broader national movements. She delivered presentations that linked historical and contemporary social justice issues. Her activism never wavered despite advancing age.
Obama Foundation Honors Her Commitment to Inclusive History
The Obama Foundation released a tribute following Soskin’s death. “In addition to telling her own stories, she also ensured the stories of countless people of color who faced discrimination at home during the war were added to our collective understanding of that time,” the foundation stated. Her work expanded America’s historical consciousness significantly.
National leaders recognized her contributions to preserving accurate history. She received numerous awards and honors during her lifetime. Presidents and dignitaries sought her wisdom and perspective. Her voice carried weight in discussions about national memory.
Connecting Personal Experience with National Stories
Soskin possessed a unique ability to bridge individual and collective narratives. She connected her personal experiences with broader historical patterns. Visitors understood how individual lives reflected larger social forces. Her presentations made abstract history tangible and relatable.
She taught that American history includes many voices and perspectives. No single story captures the complexity of the past. Her work demonstrated the importance of including marginalized communities in narratives. She changed how institutions approach historical education fundamentally.
Legacy Lives On Through Transformed Park Narratives
Soskin’s impact will continue shaping National Park Service programs indefinitely. The stories she fought to include remain central to park presentations. Future rangers will build upon the foundation she established. Her insistence on truth-telling transformed institutional culture permanently.
Young historians and educators cite her as an inspiration. Her example proves that one person can change how nations remember. She demonstrated courage in challenging incomplete historical narratives. Her legacy ensures future generations will hear more complete stories.
Celebrating 104 Years of Service, Resilience, and Truth-Telling
Betty Reid Soskin lived through most of the 20th century and beyond. She witnessed profound changes in American society firsthand. From Jim Crow segregation to the civil rights movement to today. Her long life encompassed multiple generations of struggle and progress.
She used her century of experience to educate and inspire others. Her commitment to truth-telling never wavered throughout her long life. She remained dedicated to ensuring all voices received recognition. Her passing leaves an irreplaceable void in American historical preservation.
