Today, we remember the birthday of Albert County’s legendary 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.  

Molly Kool, as a famous trailblazer, influenced the opening of doors to new opportunities for women those many years ago. Captain Catherine Lacombe visited the Albert County Museum in September 2020 to see the Molly Kool Exhibit. Captain Lacombe spoke of how Molly Kool had been an inspiration and role model for her to pursue a career to become a Captain in the Canadian Coast Guard. Captain Lacombe also has the honour of serving as Captain of the ‘CCGS Captain Molly Kool’ icebreaker.

Make plans in 2023 to visit the Albert County Museum and see the Molly Kool exhibit!

(submitted by Dawne McLean)