"Bonneville Lock and Dam: A Gift from the People of the Great Depression" with Joseph "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. It played an important role during WWII, providing power for building ships and aircraft.

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. Here are the stories from the people who worked there. Find out about Captain Bonneville and the natural events that set the stage for the dam. Hear 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.

For 27 years, author “Pat” Barry managed the Bonneville Visitor Center, the largest and most-visited center operated by the Corps of Engineers. He was also the lead interpreter for the agency for 14 years. Pat is the recipient of the National Association for Interpretation Master Interpretive Manager Award, the Corps of Engineers Hiram M. Chittenden Award, and the Grant W. Sharpe Award. After 35 years as a park ranger and interpreter, he currently volunteers at Fort Vancouver and serves as the Communications Chair on the Board of Directors of the Corps Foundation.