Ed Bears shared a special relationship that dates to 1994. While Bearss was a friend to all preservation-related organizations, he was particularly supportive of Blue & Gray. Education Society (BGES). Blue & Gray gave Bearss the opportunity to visit sites he had never taken tour groups to before. A series of specially arranged one-time-only tours enabled Bearss to document sites that might otherwise have gone unexamined.
Blue & Gray’s relationship with Bearss later expanded to include publications highlighting his exceptional work. The first book, Fields of Honor, published by the National Geographic Society, sold over 60,000 copies. It tells the story of some of the country’s most important Civil War battlefields. A second book, also in collaboration with National Geographic and coordinated with Parker Hills, called Receding Tide, emphasizes the Gettysburg and Vicksburg Campaigns. Rich with cutting-edge insights and vivid narration, as only Bearss can deliver.
Although Bearss has crossed the river and now we are left with only memories and his written words, his 30-year friendship with Blue & Gray will always remain a part of our organization.
Both works are available for purchase in the BGES Bookstore.
