Covered Bridges of New Hampshire” at Leach Library

On Thursday, March 19 at 7:00 p.m. the Leach Library will host the program “Covered Bridges of New Hampshire” by Mr. Glenn Knoblock. In this presentation, he discusses covered bridge design and technology as well as their designers, builders, and associated folklore.  

Mr. Knoblock has a B.A. in history from Bowling Green State University. He is an independent scholar and author with focuses on Northern New England bridges, New Hampshire history, and African American military history. He had published many books and articles, including New Hampshire Covered Bridges and Historic Iron and Steel Bridges in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

As far back as the 1800s, covered wooden bridges have been a vital part of the New Hampshire transportation network. Given the many streams, brooks, and rivers that can be found across the state, it is no surprise that 400 covered bridges have been documented. What we now see as quaint relics of a simpler time were actually technological marvels of their day. A number of nationally-noted covered bridge truss designers were New Hampshire natives, perhaps due in part to the state’s tradition of woodworking.

Attendees who fill out a short multiple choice covered bridges quiz will have a chance to win a stone hand-painted by local artist, Tom Abruzese.

This program is free and open to the public with seating limited to the first 90 individuals. It will be held in the library’s lower-level Meeting Room. Light refreshments will be served.