South Elmwood in Providence in Providence County, Rhode Island — The American Northeast (New England)
Derrig Overlook
Nancy Laudati Derrig,
the first woman Parks Superintendent in Providence from 1985 until 2004.
Nancy was a visionary who led the dramatic revitalization of America's third oldest zoo. During her tenure, Roger Williams Park Zoo received formal accreditation and was transformed into a world-class destination for families, with a special focus on education, conservation, and animal Care.
The first major addition designed and opened under her stewardship was the Plains of Africa which featured elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, and zebras. Improvements and new initiatives included the Menagerie Visitor Center, the building of the award- winning Center for Environmental Education, and the Marco Polo Trail with moon bears and snow leopards.
Nancy's imagination, determination, and her collaborative courageous leadership style empowered her team to transform the Zoo in partnership with the Rhode Island Zoological Society.
"I always thought this is the best and most unique job in the world; if we make the right choices now, people will enjoy the Zoo and city parks for a hundred years after we're gone."
- Nancy L. Derrig, 1943 - 2022
Erected 2022 by Rhode Island Zoological Society
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Parks & Recreational Areas • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1985.
Location. 41° 47.318′ N, 71° 25.062′ W. Marker is in Providence, Rhode Island, in Providence County. It is in South Elmwood. Marker can be reached from FC Greene Memorial Boulevard south of Hawthorne Avenue, on the right when traveling south. The marker stands on the grounds of the Roger Williams Park Zoo. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Providence RI 02907, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Masai Giraffe (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Masai Giraffe (within shouting distance of this marker); Unexpected Consequences (within shouting distance of this marker); Red Wolf (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Wild Turkey (about 300 feet away); A Conservation Success Story (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Wild Turkey (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Wild Turkey (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Providence.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 6, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 6, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 50 times since then and 4 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 6, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
