Brian C. Pohanka

A founding figure of the modern Civil War battlefield preservation movement, Brian Pohanka (1955-2005) was a respected historian and author, and a passionate advocate for protecting America's hallowed ground. His historical expertise and dedication to preservation helped shape the movement in its earliest years.

Pohanka brought history to life as a company captain in Duryee's Zouaves (5th New York) Civil War reenactment group. His courtly bearing, quiet elegance and intensity commanded respect from those around him and made him a natural preservation leader.

As a co-founder of the Chantilly Battlefield Association, Pohanka fought to protect what could be saved at Chantilly Battlefield. In 1987, he also co-founded the Association for the Preservation of Civil War Sites, a predecessor of the American Battlefield Trust.

A masterful researcher and writer, Pohanka authored or edited approximately 20 books, including contributions to the 27-volume Civil War series published by Time-Life Books. He also served as a historical consultant for Civil War films and television productions, including the History Channel's Civil War Journal, Ken Burns' The Civil War, Gettysburg, Glory, Gods and Generals and Cold Mountain.

Pohanka passed away in 2005, leaving a lasting legacy as a historian, educator and pioneering preservationist whose contributions helped advance the protection and understanding of America's Civil War battlefields.