The Washington Arsenal Explosion: Civil War Disaster in the Capital
A Peace Corps volunteer, a Vietnam veteran, a teacher and employee of the AFL-CIO, Brian Bergin's life was a multitude of experiences. A constant in his life was a love of learning and a deep affection for history. Over the course of several years, he re-created Lewis and Clark's journey from Missouri to Oregon, keeping a diary of conditions along his route. He biked the C&O; Canal from Cumberland, Maryland, back to his home in Arlington, Virginia, because he was fascinated with the history of the canal and how it was constructed. He often hiked in Shenandoah National Park, going there almost every weekend when he was learning about the Civilian Conservation Corps. But the Civil War was his favorite era. Taking him to any battlefield was always a special experience because he could make you see the battle unfold before your eyes. He loved to tell a good story.  Originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, he lived in Harrisonburg, Virginia, at the time of his death in 2009.