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Key moments and achievements from Betty Soskin's life.
Betty was born
· Richmond, California, United States
Founded Organization
In 1945, Betty Reid Soskin and her first husband Mel Reid founded Reid's Records in Berkeley, California, one of the first Black-owned record stores in the Bay Area. What began as selling records through a garage door window grew into a beloved Bay Area institution that remained in operation for over seven decades, run by her children until its closing in 2019.
Founded Organization
In 1945, Betty Reid Soskin and her first husband Mel Reid founded Reid's Records in Berkeley, California, one of the first Black-owned record stores in the Bay Area. What began as selling records through a garage door window grew into a beloved Bay Area institution that remained in operation for over seven decades, run by her children until its closing in 2019.
Career Achievement
In 2007, at the age of 85, Soskin became a National Park Service ranger at the Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, California. She had previously served as a consultant helping to create the park, drawing on her personal experiences as a Black woman during the wartime home front. In 2011, she became a permanent NPS employee.
Career Achievement
In 2007, at the age of 85, Soskin became a National Park Service ranger at the Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, California. She had previously served as a consultant helping to create the park, drawing on her personal experiences as a Black woman during the wartime home front. In 2011, she became a permanent NPS employee.
Honor
In 2015, Soskin was invited by President Barack Obama to light the National Christmas Tree at the White House, a distinguished honor recognizing her lifetime of service and her role as America's oldest active National Park Service ranger. She also received a presidential coin from Obama during the visit, cementing her status as a national treasure.
Honor
In 2015, Soskin was invited by President Barack Obama to light the National Christmas Tree at the White House, a distinguished honor recognizing her lifetime of service and her role as America's oldest active National Park Service ranger. She also received a presidential coin from Obama during the visit, cementing her status as a national treasure.
Honor
In celebration of her 100th birthday on September 22, 2021, the West Contra Costa Unified School District renamed Juan Crespi Middle School to Betty Reid Soskin Middle School. The honor recognized her extraordinary contributions to preserving the history of African Americans during World War II and her role as an inspirational figure for generations of students.
Honor
In celebration of her 100th birthday on September 22, 2021, the West Contra Costa Unified School District renamed Juan Crespi Middle School to Betty Reid Soskin Middle School. The honor recognized her extraordinary contributions to preserving the history of African Americans during World War II and her role as an inspirational figure for generations of students.
Career Milestone
On March 31, 2022, Betty Reid Soskin retired at the age of 100 as the oldest serving National Park Service ranger in the United States. Her 15-year career with the NPS had made her a beloved national figure, and her interpretive programs sharing personal memories of the World War II home front experience drew visitors from around the world.
Career Milestone
On March 31, 2022, Betty Reid Soskin retired at the age of 100 as the oldest serving National Park Service ranger in the United States. Her 15-year career with the NPS had made her a beloved national figure, and her interpretive programs sharing personal memories of the World War II home front experience drew visitors from around the world.
Betty Soskin passed away
