To the Editor:

As of June 13, a historical marker honoring Dr. Winifred Goldring, the first woman NYS Paleontologist, stands near Thacher Park’s Visitor’s Center. This marker, sponsored by the New Scotland Historical Association and financed through the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, pays homage to Dr. Winifred Goldring’s professional accomplishments.

NSHA’s December program will focus on the treasure trove of correspondence sent and received by Winifred Goldring. Through these writings, archivist Jamie Brinkman will show what can be learned about Dr. Goldring as a person and scientist.

Her career at the museum began in 1914. She served as New York State Paleontologist from 1939 until her retirement in 1954. Paleontology was not a field in which women were welcomed. Yet, Winifred persevered and, through hard work, attention to detail, and passion for science, she rose above the grousing of her detractors. 

The presenter for this program, Jamie Brinkman, has worked at the New York State Archives since 2018. In 2024, she became the Records Advisory Officer for New York State Villages and Cooperative Extension Schools, helping them with all things related to records management. She has previously worked at the Harvard Law School Library and the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. 

Come to New Scotland Historical Association’s December program and experience a more up-close and personal look at this remarkable woman and New Scotland native, Dr. Winifred Goldring.

This program will be presented at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Wyman Osterhout Community Center in New Salem on 7 The Old New Salem Road, Voorheesville. Admission is always free.   

The New Scotland Historical Association Museum, with its new exhibit featuring items from the Timothy and Susan Albright Archive, will be open for a half-hour before the program.

Judy Kimes

Publicist

New Scotland Historical Association