
On September 16th, 2020, Captain Catherine Lacombe, Commanding Officer of CCGS Captain Molly Kool, visited the Albert County Museum in Hopewell Cape. Dawne McLean, President of the Albert County Historical Society (ACHS), invited Captain Lacombe to visit the new Molly Kool exhibit made possible by a New Horizons For Seniors grant. Captain Lacombe also presented a special photo with a beautiful wooden frame she had crafted herself. The framed photo gift will be included in the Molly Kool exhibit and will be a memento of Captain Lacombe’s visit.
Paul Toner performed his song “Call Me Captain,” which was perfect for the occasion! Everyone enjoyed hearing Captain Lacombe speak of her Coast Guard career and the CCGS Captain Molly Kool icebreaker, as well as answering many questions. Captain Lacombe plans to return and tour our Fundy region!
In December 2018, CCGS Captain Molly Kool joined the Canadian Coast Guard fleet of icebreakers. According to Canadian Coast Guard, the ship is “named for Captain Myrtle ‘Molly’ Kool, who was a pioneer in Canada’s maritime history. She was the first woman in North America to become a master of a cargo steamship. This paved the way for future generations of women in her field. The CCGS Captain Molly Kool’s home port is in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Dawne McLean adds that Molly made history once again in being the first woman to have her name on a Canadian Coast Guard ship.