Douglas H. Borden Jr., recipient 2024

Douglas H. Borden Jr., a lifetime member and supporter of the Fall River Historical Society, is recognized for his longstanding interest and support of the organization, which includes the creation of the Douglas Hills Borden Jr. and Joan Louise (Goodreau) Borden Gallery. The gallery provides space for rotating exhibitions and has had a transformative impact on the presentation of museum collections. Additionally, he is being honored for the establishment of a memorial collection of paintings by Fall River and regional artists, given in memory of his beloved late wife, Joan, in recognition of special events in their personal calendar.

Doug is a ninth generation Borden, born at Union Hospital in Fall River in 1931. His early education was in Fall River (Westall School). He graduated from Joseph Case High School in 1949. In February 1951, while attending Brown University, Doug enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve at the Naval Reserve Training Center in his native city. He transferred to the Rhode Island School of Design and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Machine Design in 1955.

Doug was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve in 1955. Following his 29-year Naval career, he retired as a Commander (Surface Line), while stationed at the Military Sealift Command in Washington, DC.

Deeply grounded in patriotism, Doug has been a member of the Mount Vernon Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) since 1981, was twice elected Chapter President, served on the Board of Directors, and chaired numerous operating committees. In June 2008, he was awarded the Gold Pin Award with the words from then-President Lisa Cramer, LTC, USA-Ret., “In summary, CDR Borden’s patriotism and dedication is the bedrock upon which our Chapter is built.”

Doug was instrumental in the creating, organizing, and directing the activities of the Mount Vernon Chapter Scholarship Fund, ensuring the best and brightest graduating cadets would be nominated for scholarship grants.

Doug represented the MOAA Virginia Council of Chapters (VCOC), advocating for veterans’ benefits and other critical issues with state politicians in Richmond, Virginia. He participated in many USO Care Package “Stuffing Parties” during Operation Enduring Freedom, sharing these heartfelt volunteer opportunities with family members. 

From the time he was a very young man, Doug participated in Beetle Cat Boat sailing regattas sponsored by different yacht clubs around Narragansett Bay in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, continuing his family’s legacy of winning. In retirement from the U.S. Navy, he returned to his passion for and mastery of sailing through his participation and leadership roles in the Mount Vernon Yacht Club in Mount Vernon, Virginia.

He successfully taught the next generation how to sail and sail well; the number of awards received by the family for competitions on the Potomac River from Washington, DC, to Quantico, Virginia, are too numerous to mention.

To this day Doug continues to volunteer in his community to improve the quality of life of the people who live and work there.  He is never at a loss for a kind word or kind gesture.  His philanthropic example has been followed by family members and others who have been inspired to actively follow in his footsteps.