City of San Rafael
Proclamation Recognizing
Louise A. Boyd
WHEREAS, Louise A. Boyd, an internationally known explorer, geographer, and photographer, from San Rafael, who independently chartered seven expeditions to the Arctic between 1929 and 1941, to document polar landscapes and conduct scientific research; and WHEREAS, Louise Boyd is credited for her groundbreaking work in photogrammetry and her research of radio-wave transmission in Arctic regions, among other invaluable contributions that aided the United States government during WWII; and WHEREAS, Louise Boyd received the prestigious American Geographical Society’s Cullum Gold Medal, just one of the many awards and accolades received by Louise Boyd throughout her remarkable life; and
WHEREAS, she was the first woman to reach the remote eastern fiords of Greenland and, in 1955, the first woman to fly in an airplane over the North Pole.
WHEREAS, throughout her life, Louise Boyd embodied two distinct personas, that of a seafaring adventurer, a society lady and philanthropist; and
WHEREAS, her inspiring story is one of independence, passion, and courage—that continues to inspire new ways today; and
WHEREAS, Boyd Park, situated beside the Boyd Gate House in San Rafael, was gifted to the city by Louise Boyd’s parents in 1905 in memory of her two brothers, Seth and John, who tragically passed away as teenagers; and
WHEREAS, the Gate House, now home to the Marin History Museum, stands as a testament to the rich history of the Boyd family in San Rafael as well as Maple Lawn, where the San Rafael Elks Lodge is currently located; and
WHEREAS, many of Louise Boyd’s most treasured possessions, including photos, scrapbooks, journals, letters, awards, and mementos, were generously donated to the Marin History Museum upon her passing in 1972.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kate Colin, Mayor of San Rafael, do hereby proclaim that we honor and celebrate the life, achievements, and enduring legacy of Louise A. Boyd, whose indomitable spirit and pioneering endeavors continue to inspire generations to come.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the City of San Rafael to be affixed this 18th day of March, in the year two thousand and twenty-four. ____________________________________
Kate Colin
Mayor