In this program presented by Stratham Historical Society and Wiggin Memorial Library, Stratham resident David Maloney will present his research as he narrates his slide-show entitled: "Commerce and Industry of Great Bay: 1600s through the Early 20th Century." 

The Great Bay and its tributaries, the Oyster, Lamprey and Exeter/Squamscott Rivers were once the center of industry and commerce.  Beginning with the first Europeans in the 1600s, dams were constructed on the rivers to power sawmills, grist mills, paper mills and textile mills.  Brickyards and shipyards were established and gundalows and schooners carried their products to Portsmouth and then around the world.

About the Presenter

David Maloney is a long-time seacoast resident who has who has travelled extensively to historical sites around the world from the Great Wall of China to the Egyptian pyramids. His particular area of interest is in Early American history, especially of New England, and enjoys telling visitors stories about the area's rich history and its people. He has been a guide at the American Independence Museum, lectured on Portsmouth area history, published a walking guide of historic Portsmouth and operated driving tours of Portsmouth and the surrounding area.

The snow date for this program is March 18.