Patrick T. McBriarty

Patrick T. McBriarty’s website introduces the author, bridge historian, and storyteller behind books and projects exploring Chicago history, engineering, and transportation. A former business professional with a master’s degree in economics, McBriarty shares his curiosity through accessible writing and educational activities. His work includes Chicago River Bridges, a history of the city’s bridges, and children’s STEM picture books about how drawbridges open and close, airplanes take off and land, and city railways travel above and below ground. These illustrated books combine practical explanations with engaging details for young readers, families, and educators.

McBriarty also co-hosts Windy City Historians, a podcast about Chicago history, with fellow author Christopher Lynch. The site features information about his documentary Chicago Drawbridges, which takes viewers on a historical and visual tour of the city’s bridges and skyline. Visitors can explore bridge resources, read interviews and news, and find details about tours and presentations, book talks, children’s workshops, and school visits.