This episode of the Park Leaders Show felt like I was talking to history. Betty Soskin is the oldest park ranger in the United States. Betty is 93 years old.
Yes, that is impressive. But even more impressive is Betty did not become a park ranger until she was 85 years old. Talking with Betty, I got the feeling she did not necessarily become a park ranger, she became part of the narrative of Rosie the Riveter National Historic Park, and that involved wearing a park ranger uniform.
“Whatever I do, they call rangering. But I would be doing it anyway because it is the only thing I know.”
Betty Soskin first collected national attention when she was furloughed during the government shutdown. When asked what the government should do to end the shutdown, Betty replied, “I am not wise enough to tell them what to do, except to get out of my way.”
The government shutdown was an obstacle to Betty’s telling her story and getting important work done. Betty tackles each day with a sense of urgency rarely seen in people decades younger than her.
Betty’s story is an American story that can be told by no one else I have ever met. Her message, her life, and her contribution to the National Park Service is a story you don’t want to miss. This episode goes much deeper than parks. We talk about history, wisdom, and diversity.
They say with age comes wisdom and wow did Betty have plenty to spare. Great listen. Inspiring interview.
Thanks for listening, Ryan. Betty is indeed an inspiration. It was a pleasure to interview her.
betty is so special in so many ways. first she has almost instant recall for events she was involved in for the last 89 years. she is able to put any event in prospective of the times since she is extremely well-read but uncontaminated by a formal education. this allows her to see things from the inside not from the formalism of an outsider looking in by some doctrine. her special charm is that she has retained the driving curiosity of a 5 year old with the wise judgement that befits her years varied experiences. on top of all that she is a very pretty lady.
Thank you for listening Thomas. You are right, it is clear how curious Betty is. I like that she doesn’t accept answers and keeps asking questions. I have listened to this interview twice and learn more each time.
Betty has been an inspiration for me for well over eight years through her blog posts and Facebook. I have also watched, read, and listened to much of what has been published about Betty in that time. Betty has a very unique perspective that she enthusiastically shares with visitors to the park and beyond.
Betty was featured in a 2009 park service video, “National Park Service, Where History Happens,” which is about the National Park Service and the inauguration of President Obama. Betty appears at about the 2:25 point in the video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQXXq0xkUlQ
Thank you for listening and sharing Michael. It was such a treat to interview Betty.