Today I was browsing the Civil War Preservation Trust website, when I read that renown Civil War historian, author and preservationist Brian Pohanka had passed away. Brian remains one of my personal idols and was a true giant in the historic preservation community. Few people have contributed more to the memory of Civil War history than Brian and his efforts will not be forgotten. I will miss his presence immensely.
A familiar expert on countless Civil War documentaries, Brian was featured on such programs as Civil War Journal and Ken Burns’ landmark The Civil War. His insights and writings were an inspiration to me personally and his example helped me to pursue my own Civil War publications.
CWPT President James Lighthizer made the following statement in the wake of Brian’s passing:
“Arguably Brian’s most important contribution – in a life full of great contributions – was in 1987, when he helped start the battlefield preservation movement that we know today. Brian hosted some of the first meetings Association for the Preservation of Civil War Sites, a group that would later become the Civil War Preservation Trust. Thanks to Brian’s foresight and commitment, hallowed battlefields that would otherwise have been paved over remain for future generations to visit and venerate. We at the Civil War Preservation Trust are proud and honored to carry on the work he started.”
I would like to offer my most sincere condolences to Brian’s family and friends. I pray that they find comfort in knowing that Brian is in a much better place, perhaps sharing his passion with the very men he studied.