Bernard C. Hollister, son of Joseph and Mildred Hollister, was born in Chicago on March 17, 1938. In 1952, the family moved to Crystal Lake, Illinois. Bernie received a Bachelor's Degree in History from Roosevelt University, a Master's Degree in Sociology from the Illinois Institute of Technology, and a Master's Degree in History from Northern Illinois University.

In 1963, Mr. Hollister began his career teaching at Willowbrook High School. In 1985, he was named as an Illinois Master Teacher. Bernie was a charter faculty member in 1986 in the social science and history team at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy.

He was the author of four books, more than eight articles in educational magazines, newsletters, and journals, and contributed chapters or selected sections to several high school and college textbooks. Bernie was a frequent presenter and speaker at educational conferences and workshops throughout the US focusing on problem-based learning and the use of computers to enhance history instruction. He was a regular contributor to the journal "Media and Methods." Chicago Tribune readers often read his work in the "Tempo" section describing historic sites of interest, famous events, local cemeteries, and prominent former citizens.

He was instrumental in IMSA students research of the tragedy of the ship Eastland that overturned in the Chicago River, culminating in his students securing placement of a memorial plaque at the site of the disaster.