“I was looking through my mom and dad’s room and found a photo that said ‘direct descendant of the Pelican Girls.’ I was like, ‘Hey mom, what’s this?” She told me the whole story of the Pelican Girl and how I was related to Gabrielle Savary. The Pelican Girls represent brave women who left their families behind to come to Mobile.

And then I joined scouting because my father did; it sounded fun and I wanted to try it. And it is fun. When I got to my Eagle Scout project, I thought it would be really cool to do something about my history. I wanted others to know about the Pelican Girls, and helping get this historic marker became my Eagle project.  

It was just a thought at first, and I didn’t think it was really going to happen. It was kind of scary, and I’m not very good at social interaction. But now that it’s done, it feels really good–it’s a big weight off. I am also writing a children’s book to tell the story of the Pelican Girls.

This marker was important to do to know your past and where you come from. I also learned from this that it’s important to be a leader and to be kind. I’m thinking about starting my own troop to inspire people about the same kind of things. 

I turned 13 less than a month ago. There aren’t many girls my age becoming Eagle Scouts.  This day gives me confidence that I can do anything–it’s not only boys who can do things.  I want to become an astronaut and go to space.”

Addison

“I grew up in Texas.  My husband and I got transferred to Mobile for work. My family, back to my great-grandparents, are from New Orleans, and my maiden name is Saucier. We had no idea we were tied to the city this way. Through Ancestry, we learned Gabrielle Savary, a Pelican Girl from Paris, France, married Jean Baptiste Saucier at Fort Louis–now present-day Mobile. They had four sons. After Jean Baptiste’s death, Gabrielle and her sons relocated to present-day New Orleans. Records indicate she is buried in the crypt under Saint Louis Cathedral on Jackson Square. Gabrielle is my 8th great grandmother, and Addison’s 9th great grandmother. It’s kind of cool that both of our girls were born in Mobile and now are living where our family was originally from.”

Sarah, Addison’s Mom 

(The process for The Pelican Girls historical marker was already in motion, and Addison contributed to planning the unveiling event and recruiting volunteers to work at the setup, event and clean up. The children’s book, “From France to Fort Louis: The Story of The Pelican Girls,” is the larger focus of her project, to educate young people in the Mobile area who are unaware of the Pelican Girls story. The book is being written for elementary age children and will be donated to public schools in Mobile County. It is expected to print in February for distribution in the spring.  Addison is currently raising funds and getting grants to cover the cost of publishing and printing–here’s how you can donate and help publish the book. Addison has also applied for SALSA–Space Academy for Leading Students in Alabama. )