Albert County’s legendary Captain Molly Kool
Today, we remember the birthday of Albert County’s legendary Captain Molly Kool, who was born on February 23, 1916 in the Fundy coast village of Alma. Molly grew up sailing on the Bay of Fundy with her father, learning the skills to navigate the scow named the “Jean K’ on the dangerous tidal waters. Molly loved the sea and was determined to become a ship’s captain.
Despite being faced with gender discrimination and application refusals to be examined for a captain’s license, Molly persisted! Finally, the Canadian Shipping Act was forced to be amended to read “he” or “she”, which then allowed Molly to write the captain’s exam. She passed with flying colors! This achievement was a significant event that would be recorded in history! On May 25, 1939, Molly became the first licensed female “Master Mariner” or “Sea Captain” in North America.