Harold L. (Harold Leslie) Peterson

Born in Peekskill, New York, in 1922, he studied at Drew University, where he was an undefeated varsity fencer in foil and saber before graduating magna cum laude in 1945. After working with the Wisconsin Historical Society and earning an MA in history from the University of Wisconsin in 1947, he began the National Park Service career that would define his professional life.

He became widely respected as an expert on historical firearms, arms, and armor, and his first major book, Arms and Armor in Colonial America, helped establish that reputation. He also co-founded the group that became the Company of Military Historians and later served as its president, while advising museums and other organizations on historical objects and interpretation.

His interests ranged beyond weapons alone: he also wrote about military music and even published a book on drinks under the pseudonym N. E. Beveridge. He died in Alexandria, Virginia, on January 1, 1978, leaving behind a body of work that helped shape the study of American military material culture.