Covered Bridges of New Hampshire
This podcast is the companion to Covered Bridges of New Hampshire by Kim Varney Chandler, the most comprehensive history of New Hampshire’s covered bridges in print.
New Hampshire is home to more than 60 authentic covered bridges, 46 of them over a century old. They remain today because a dedicated community recognized their significance and chose to preserve them.
On this podcast, Kim speaks with the people connected to these bridges in a variety of ways—engineers, historians, preservationists, town officials, authors, photographers, and community advocates. Together, they explore preservation efforts, restoration projects, community identity, tourism, threats, stewardship, and the evolving role these structures play across the Granite State.
Whether you are deeply familiar with covered bridges or simply curious about the stories they carry, this podcast offers thoughtful discussion on all things related to covered bridges in New Hampshire.
Recipient of the 2023 Second Place Award for Best Audio Podcast from the New Hampshire Press Association.
Covered Bridges of New Hampshire
The Paddleford Truss with Bob Durfee
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
Kim interviews engineer Bob Durfee of DuBois & King about bridgewright Peter Paddleford and his unique truss design. Learn why even though it was never patented, the Paddleford truss dominated covered bridge construction in northern New England for many years. Today there are only 22 Paddleford covered bridges left in New England.
Links from the conversation
DuBois & King, Inc.
The Paddleford Truss
Long Truss Patent
Links for Covered Bridges of New Hampshire
Covered Bridges of New Hampshire
Photos of the Swiftwater Bridge
Photos of the Whittier Bridge
