Geologist to explore formation of lakes and mountains in NH

MEREDITH — Lake Winnipesaukee waters attract tens of thousands each year to enjoy its refreshing waters, its scenic beauty and its abundance of year-round sporting activities. But how many are aware of the big lake’s genesis — how it happened to appear at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains in the middle of the Granite State?

Retired geologist Woodrow “Woody” Thompson will provide the answers at the next offering of the Meredith Historical Society’s 2025 Speaker Series, slated for Tuesday, July 1.

Thompson’s program is titled “Ice Age Glaciers: How They Shaped New Hampshire’s Lakes Region and White Mountains.” It will explore how glaciers that covered all of New Hampshire began melting some 12,000 years ago, eventually opening up a landscape dotted with lakes and mountains for habitation by aboriginal humans.

“Lake Winnipesaukee and the White Mountains have become the crown jewels of New Hampshire,” said Historical Society President John Hopper. “It will be interesting to learn from Woody how our state’s Lakes and Mountain Regions were carved out by Nature.” 

In addition to his knowledge of local geology, Thompson also has a deep historical connection to Meredith. He is a linear descendant of Benjamin and Rebecca (Pike) Pease, who settled on a farm along a local section of the Province Road in Meredith about 1779. Thompson grew up in Holderness and majored in geology at Dartmouth College. He earned his master’s degree from the University of Vermont and Ph.D. from Ohio State University. 

For more information, visit meredithhistoricalsocietynh.org.