Before starting our first hive our family took beekeeping classes from Dr Keith S Delaplane (University of Georgia) via the television series as "A year in the life of an Apiary"; also available in video and book form.

But I see a new online class available from the Mountain Sweet Honey Company.
http://mountainsweethoney.com/...

Sometimes local beekeeping clubs hold classes .
Sometimes local beekeepers will mentor a new beekeeper

I have often wanted to set up a hive in my front field. I don't like honey (I use less than 8 oz every couple years), so am not interested in harvesting. Would it be possible to just have a passive hive, just let the bees do their thing?

Yes it is possible to have a hive and not harvest the honey. Honey bees can pretty much take care of themselves. If home conditions get too dangerous for them they just move out and find a new home.
That said, there is always a beekeeper willing to tend the hive for you in exchange for th honey.

Ha ha - love it Mindy -- always a willing beerkeeper! Sometimes typos are great. But seriously, thanks. I'll check with my local bee people and see if perhaps someone wants to tend a hive, or just get info on how to get set up.

Oops sorry about that. Not a good idea to type while itching from poison ivy on the hands and wrists.
Don't let any beekeeper try to take advantage of you if you go that route; your place is full of plants the bees love especially your herb garden

I would just be happy to have the bees here. I'd even bring the keepers a cold beer.