Joan G. Paull papers

Joan G. Paull was heavily involved with the C&O Canal Association for many years. She was the Chair of Work Parties for eleven years. This involved recruiting and supervising volunteers to do work projects assigned by the staff of the C&O Canal National Historical Park. One of her major projects was to repair a cabin at the Paw Paw campground and staff it with volunteer campground supervisors on summer weekends; although, the flood of 1985 damaged the cabin and brought the project to an end. In response, she organized volunteer work parties to repair flood damage. She was also a Level Walker for the C&O Canal Association on Level 8 (Swain's Lock to Pennyfield Lock) for the same length of time. As a Level Walker she walked her Level every two or three months, recording events of nature, users of the canal and towpath, and problems to be called to the attention of the Association or the National Park Service.

A teacher by profession, she always put time and effort to community service. Active with the Girl Scouts for 31 years, she combined Scouting with the C&O Canal by creating and co-leading the program where Girl Scouts act as docents at Riley's Lockhouse on the canal. This program has introduced a whole generation of girls to regional history. Ms. Paull also volunteered with the Smithsonian Folk Festival for 22 years.

Joan G. Paull was born in Washington, D. C., and was a life-long resident of the area. She was married to Norman Paull and had a daughter, Diane. Paull died on May 23, 2021 in Silver Springs, MD.