Bridge Builder in Petticoats: Emily Warren Roebling & the Brooklyn Bridge

She was called “one of the most noted women in the country” and “the most famous woman in New Jersey”…yet today few people even know her name!  Come to Bernardsville Public Library on Tuesday, February 25 at 7:00 pm to see Carol Simon Levin bring Emily Warren Roebling to life and learn the true story of the 19th century woman who helped supervise the greatest engineering project of the age.

Many books and films have featured the Brooklyn Bridge and millions of people have crossed it.  Built between 1869 and 1883, without modern machines or even electric light, it was the one of the most amazing technological achievements of its time.  Yet few people know Ms. Roebling’s role: how, after her husband became bedridden, she became his liaison to the project and helped supervise much of its construction.  Later she helped design the family mansion in Trenton, studied law, organized relief for returning troops from the Spanish American War, attended the coronation of the Tsar of Russia and even took tea with Queen Victoria.

Carol Simon Levin is a Youth Services Librarian at the Bridgewater Branch of the Somerset County Library.  She is an experienced storyteller and a member of the New Jersey Storyteller’s Network.  She has always been fascinated by the history of technology and women’s history, and is currently writing a book on Emily Warren Roebling.

There is no charge to attend the library program, but advance registration is requested.  Register online at www.bernardsvillelibrary.org, and follow the link under Adult Programs, or call the library at 908-766-0118 to sign up.