Blue and Gray Education Society

The Story of the Blue and Gray Education Society

If you've ever wondered how BGES came to be, read on ...

Studying the Manassas battlefield on one of BGES's many tours

Blue and Gray Education Society

Posted Friday, November 7, 2025 7:00 am

Past BGES President Dr. Bill McKinnon (Blue and Gray Education Society)

The Blue and Gray Education Society (BGES) was founded in 1994 by Len Riedel, who recognized a pressing need among Civil War historians and students for deeper, more engaging educational opportunities. In response, he established BGES with a clear purpose, reflected in the following Mission Statement:

The Blue and Gray Education Society is dedicated to the objective study of the origins and impact of the American Civil War, and related events.

While many organizations do excellent work preserving battlefield land, our primary focus is education. We believe that preservation without interpretation is a job half done. For more than 30 years, we've offered small-group tours that deliver high-quality, in-depth historical education at a reasonable cost. While the Civil War is our core subject, we also explore sites from the Revolutionary War and other pivotal chapters of American history.

The late esteemed historian Ed Bearss was a huge BGES proponent.

Public Domain

These tours are always led by historians recognized as experts on the locations we visit. As Len often puts it, we “get out into the weeds,” traveling by small bus to places other groups can’t reach.

The late Ed Bearss, arguably one of the foremost authorities on the Civil War, was a strong supporter of the Society and led many of our tours. He often reminded participants that “to understand a battlefield, you have to walk the ground.” We wholeheartedly agree.

In addition to our historical tours, we publish the BGES Dispatches three times a week—brief, engaging capsules that shed light on important and often overlooked historical topics.

Our commitment to education has resulted in the publication of five popular books, two of which were authored by Ed Bearss. Our most recent publication is the award-winning An Explorer’s Guide to America's Revolutionary War.

Interpretation, to us, means revealing the deeper meaning of our historic sites to the public. We’ve improved understanding through informative signage and by working closely with local historical societies to interpret the sites they have helped preserve.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all our activities are supported by our members, and donors fulfill our mission. By joining BGES, you're not just supporting battlefield education—you're affirming that our shared history matters. Membership fees and contributions are fully tax-deductible, and beyond the impact your support makes, you'll become part of a vibrant community. The friendships formed on our tours are often long-lasting, grounded in a shared passion to preserve and honor our precious American heritage.

The entirety of BGES's offerings can be seen at blueandgrayeducation.org—please visit.

The Story of the Blue and Gray Education Society

If you've ever wondered how BGES came to be, read on ...

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