Club member author delves into Cold War history in two new books

National Press Club member Francis Gary Powers, Jr. has written two books that take deep dives into the forgotten history of the Cold War.

In "Cold War Virginia," Powers, a Cold War historian, and co-author Christopher Sturdevant examine the central role the Commonwealth played during a period of heightened tension with the Soviet Union.

“Every year that passes, people forget — or are not told — about the critical role that Virginia and other states played in helping to ensure our country was able to defend itself against the Soviets,” Powers said. “We wrote 'Cold War Virginia' as part of our continuing efforts to preserve and share that history with new generations of Americans.”

Powers is the son of CIA U-2 pilot Francis Gary Powers, Sr., who gained international notoriety after he was shot down in a spy plane over the Soviet Union in 1960. The son also founded the Cold War Museum at Vint Hill, Virginia.

Powers’ second book this year about the Cold War era, "Protecting America: Cold War Defensive Sites," is based on the work of a presidential advisory committee he chaired and that identified Cold War sites across the country that should be preserved and commemorated.

Powers, who has written three books about his father’s experience, said he “wanted to branch out and write more books on the Cold War. It is very important for future generations to learn about and understand the Cold War that continues to impact us today.”

The Club's Podcast Team produced an Update-1 session with Powers and Sturdevant about "Cold War Virginia" in October.