Ed Bearss Celebration of Life
On Seminary Ridge, land preserved forever by the members of the American Battlefield Trust, we say goodbye to acclaimed military historian and preservation pioneer, Edwin C. Bearss.
A decorated U.S. Marine veteran of the Pacific Theater of World War II, he attended college and graduate school on the GI Bill before pursuing a distinguished career in the National Park Service, ultimately rising to be chief historian of that agency. A prolific author, frequent commentator and legendary tour guide, he brought history alive for millions of Americans with his deep voice and evocative descriptions. Among the originators of the modern battlefield preservation movement and a devoted tour guide, Bearss travelled up to 200 days per year into his 90s.
Leaving behind an insurmountable legend in the history and preservation community, Edwin Cole Bearss passed away on September 15, 2020, peacefully and surrounded by family, at the age of 97. Although a prolific author on topics in military history, Bearss was particularly dedicated to
