About Bonneville Lock and Dam: A Gift from the People of the Great Depression
Presented by author and former park ranger Pat
Barry
Bonneville Lock and Dam became one of the symbols of the Great
Depression era efforts to jump-start the economy and get people working again.
During the 1930s, massive public works projects like Bonneville gave the people
of the Great Depression jobs and hope. Bonneville also played an important role
during World War II, providing power for building ships and aircraft. Since the
1930s, it has generated non-stop, clean, renewable power, provided inexpensive
inland navigation, and water-based recreation. The dam evolved with the
changing needs of society. This gift of 1930s infrastructure continues to
return benefits for all Americans.
Enjoy this insider’s view of the dam - told by a
person whose job was to give tours, tell stories about the dam, and shape the
visitor experience for a half million people a year. In addition to a history
of the dam, here are tales from the people who worked there. Find out about
Benjamin Bonneville and the natural events that set the stage for the dam. Hear
suggestions from a ranger about the best ways to visit the dam and learn some
obscure facts about this iconic structure. Bonneville symbolizes technology and
science but also includes many works of art. It has even found its way into
films and television. Discover all of this and more.
About the Speaker:
Joseph Patrick “Pat” Barry spent 32 years at Bonneville, most of
it as a park ranger managing the visitor center.
