Join us for a local history lecture with Laurie Heiss, co-author of The Merritt Parkway: The Road that Shaped a Region.

Built between 1934 and 1940 to relieve congestion on the Boston Post Road, the Merritt Parkway became one of the first scenic highways in the United States designed specifically for automobiles. The Merritt Parkway blends utility with beauty, featuring graceful curves, bucolic landscaping, and a collection of distinct custom bridges. 

Heiss, a former Executive Director of the Merritt Parkway Conservancy, will delve into the Parkway’s planning and construction as well as the thousands of Depression-era workers who brought it to life. The talk will also explore how the Parkway shaped the development of Fairfield County, helping to turn towns like Trumbull into thriving suburban communities. 

For nearly a century, strong citizen involvement and determination have played a vital role in protecting the Parkway’s unique character. Grassroots preservation efforts, public advocacy, and decades-long campaigns have all worked to save it from modernization. Join us to learn about the Parkway’s lasting cultural impact, its role in shaping commuter life, and the preservation work that continues to this day.

With multiple exits here in Trumbull, the Merritt Parkway remains an integral part of our local landscape. Come discover the history behind the road you drive every day!

Click Here to check out The Merritt Parkway : the Road That Shaped a Region at the Trumbull Library!