Kim Varney Chandler to speak on covered bridges

Author Kim Varney Chandler will be at the Toadstool Bookshop, 12 Depot St., in Peterborough Oct. 29, and hold a book launch for her new book, “Covered Bridges of New Hampshire” at The Harris Center, 83 King’s Highway in Hancock, on Nov. 16. Preregistration for the book launch is required and space is limited.

There are more than 60 authentic covered bridges in New Hampshire, 46 of which are more than a century old. Some have stood sentry over their waterways without incident; others have risen after a tragedy took them down. In her book, Chandler tells these bridges’ stories. The book has been endorsed by the National Society for the Preservation of Covered Bridges.

The 288-page, full-color, softcover also features Chandler ’s photography of all 61 covered bridges, paired with historical photos. She goes into detail on each bridge, having partnered with bridgewrights, timber framers, bridge engineers, historical societies, town offices, libraries, state and national organizations and community members to compile extensive histories of each bridge. 

Chandler is a researcher, amateur genealogist, photographer, bird-watcher and dog-lover. She holds two degrees from the University of New Hampshire, works as a high school counselor and volunteers for a variety of organizations. She is a lifelong resident of New Hampshire except for two stints living south of the Mason-Dixon line. She lives in Hancock with her husband and Pemi the hiking therapy dog.

Chandler has produced a companion podcast that will be released on Oct. 18. Information on the book, the podcast, blog posts and an interactive covered bridge map are available at coveredbridgesnh.com.