Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Winifred Goldring was the first woman to serve as a state paleontologist in the world

(Voorheesville, NY) – A historical marker honoring New York State's first female paleontologist was unveiled at John Boyd Thacher State Park on June 13, 2025. Winifred Goldring (1888-1971) worked at the New York State Museum for more than 30 years, serving as the museum's first female curator and the first woman to serve as State Paleontologist of New York from 1939-1954. Goldring's appointment as State Paleontologist was a first for women worldwide. Her work resulted in numerous fossil exhibits and publications, notably her Handbook of Paleontology and Guide to the Geology of John Boyd Thacher Park. 

"New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is proud to be the home of a marker honoring Winifred Goldring, a trailblazing individual in science and state service," said OPRHP Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons. "Goldring made important contributions to geology and paleontology, including extensive research at Thacher Park and surrounding areas of the Capital Region. This marker will serve as a reminder of her dedication to science and how she paved the way for future female scientists."

Goldring's research also included reports on the Devonian crinoids of New York and the Gilboa fossil forest in Schoharie County. The New Scotland Historical Association (NSHA) applied for and received a grant for the historical marker from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation.

"Dr. Winifred Goldring rose through the ranks of the NYS Museum's male-dominated bureaucracy to become the first woman appointed a State Paleontologist, and the first to serve as president of the Paleontological Society (1949)," said NSHA President Alan Kowlowitz. "Her life in science was truly remarkable and it started and ended in the Town of New Scotland. She lived most of her life in New Scotland; hikes and picnics in the Helderbergs sparked her interest in science, and she is buried in the New Scotland Presbyterian Church Cemetery. It is therefore fitting that the NSHA honor her with a historic marker in Thacher Park."

"At the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, we're proud to help communities across the country celebrate local history through our historical marker grant programs," said Bill Brower, executive director of the Pomeroy Foundation. "Winifred Goldring was a trailblazing scientist whose research shaped our understanding of the region's ancient past. As the first woman appointed New York State paleontologist, her legacy lives on through this Pomeroy Marker at John Boyd Thacher State Park. It's a powerful reminder that history is all around us and that markers like this keep those stories alive for future generations."

The historical marker near the park's visitor center was unveiled during a ceremony attended by state officials, local elected leaders and representatives of the New Scotland Historical Association.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, and welcomes over 88 million visits annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.

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