Historians
Eric J. Wittenberg
Eric J. Wittenberg is an award-winning historian who graciously consented to an interview at his law office near Columbus, Ohio. His books have focused on the plight of everyday cavalrymen of the Civil War, and focus on cavalry battles of the Civil War. He is author of The Battle of White Sulphur Springs: General Averell Fails to Secure West Virginia. Another fascinating work is Little Phil: A Reassessment of the Civil War Leadership of Gen. Philip H. Sheridan (2002).
Find out more about Eric and his extensive writings at:
http://www.ericwittenberg.com
And his entertaining blog, “Rantings of a Civil War Historian”
http://civilwarcavalry.com
Find out more about Eric and his extensive writings at:
http://www.ericwittenberg.com
And his entertaining blog, “Rantings of a Civil War Historian”
http://civilwarcavalry.com
Scott C. Patchan
Scott C. Patchan is a Civil War battlefield historian and guide. His books include The Last Battle of Winchester (2013); Shenandoah Summer: The 1864 Valley Campaign (2009) and The Forgotten Fury: The Battle of Piedmont, Virginia (1996). He led our crew around Moorefield, West Virginia and recounted the chain of events leading to Averell’s stunning victory. Find out more about Scott and his writings at: http://shenandoah1864.wordpress.com and
http://www.potomacbooksinc.com/Books/AuthorDetail.aspx?id=19385
http://www.potomacbooksinc.com/Books/AuthorDetail.aspx?id=19385
Dr. David Bard
It was an honor to have Dr. David Bard’s participation in this film. Dr. Bard passed away in December 2021.
Thousands of college students became fascinated with history from his classes and memorable lectures at Concord University (formerly Concord College, formerly Concord Normal School!). The existence of this film is partially attributable to his insightful class on West Virginia History.
Dr. Bard began his career at Concord in 1966 He coordinated international trips for students and recently wrote a book about the Civil War in the New River Valley, available at Tamarack and local bookstores.
Dr. Bard is originally from Connecticut. He received a Bachelor’s degree from Ohio Wesleyan, a Master’s degree from the University of Connecticut, and a Doctorate degree from the University of Maine.
He lived for many years in Athens, WV. His wife, Carol, served as the Mayor of the town of Athens.
Thousands of college students became fascinated with history from his classes and memorable lectures at Concord University (formerly Concord College, formerly Concord Normal School!). The existence of this film is partially attributable to his insightful class on West Virginia History.
Dr. Bard began his career at Concord in 1966 He coordinated international trips for students and recently wrote a book about the Civil War in the New River Valley, available at Tamarack and local bookstores.
Dr. Bard is originally from Connecticut. He received a Bachelor’s degree from Ohio Wesleyan, a Master’s degree from the University of Connecticut, and a Doctorate degree from the University of Maine.
He lived for many years in Athens, WV. His wife, Carol, served as the Mayor of the town of Athens.
Ralph Rhodes
Ralph Dascomb Rhodes, triple grandson of General Averell's older sister, Sarah Elizabeth (Averell) Dascomb, served as a communication officer in the United States Navy. He subsequently taught American History for 32 years in suburban Philadelphia, Pa.
Presently, Ralph is researching the General's life from General Averell’s home roots and family in Steuben County, New York, through his military, diplomatic, business and invention years, and ending in the 1890s when Averell served as Assistant Inspector of Old Soldiers Homes.
Ralph resides in Bucks County, Pa with wife, Carolyn, and son, Will.
Photo: Ralph Rhodes, left, pays a solemn visit to the grave of Captain Henry Chapman, the sole Confederate soldier to die in Salem during Averell's Raid. Ralph visited the grave with Frank Chapman, grandson of the Captain.
Also, it was fantastic to have Ralph attend our sneak preview at the Ritz
on May 25th.
Presently, Ralph is researching the General's life from General Averell’s home roots and family in Steuben County, New York, through his military, diplomatic, business and invention years, and ending in the 1890s when Averell served as Assistant Inspector of Old Soldiers Homes.
Ralph resides in Bucks County, Pa with wife, Carolyn, and son, Will.
Photo: Ralph Rhodes, left, pays a solemn visit to the grave of Captain Henry Chapman, the sole Confederate soldier to die in Salem during Averell's Raid. Ralph visited the grave with Frank Chapman, grandson of the Captain.
Also, it was fantastic to have Ralph attend our sneak preview at the Ritz
on May 25th.
Howard R. McManus
Howard McManus wrote a remarkable account of the Battle of Cloyd's Mountain, bringing to public attention a large Civil War battle previously almost forgotten. The Battle of Cloyd's Mountain: The Virginia and Tennessee Railroad Raid is still available from Howard on CD Rom. Previously a a teacher of high school American History, Howard runs THE HISTORY BROKER, an online dealer in historic documents and rarities. Catch up with him at http://www.historybroker.com
Howard has this to add to spice up his bio: "After completing his thesis on the Battle of Cloyd's Mt. under Dr. James I. Robertson, Jr. at VA Tech in 1972, Howard McManus has managed to accomplish absolutely nothing ... a fact for which he is increasingly grateful these days as there is so much less to have to live-up-to / live-down / justify." (Howard's words: his greatest work may lie ahead!).
Howard has this to add to spice up his bio: "After completing his thesis on the Battle of Cloyd's Mt. under Dr. James I. Robertson, Jr. at VA Tech in 1972, Howard McManus has managed to accomplish absolutely nothing ... a fact for which he is increasingly grateful these days as there is so much less to have to live-up-to / live-down / justify." (Howard's words: his greatest work may lie ahead!).
John D. Long
John is Director of the Salem Museum, has tught history at Radford University, Virginia Western Community College and is Senior Lecturer in History at Roanoke College. A magna cum laude graduate of Roanoke College, Mr. Long earned his Masters of Arts in History from the university of Virginia in 1991. With the Salem Museum, he has spearheaded a school outreach program, overseen a popular college internship for museums, curated substantive historical exhibits, and contributed numerous articles to local newspapers. He is author of South of Main: A History of the Water Street Community in Salem, Virginia and co-author of A town by the Name of Salem. Long is active with his church, the Boy Scouts, and other community groups. He and his wife, Candy, live in Salem and are the parents of three daughters and two sons.
Other historians (profiles forthcoming):
Mike Smith, former Superintendent, Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park
Harry Moloney, re-enactor whose picture graces the DVD jacket
Nick Korolev, artist and state park interpreter
Harry Moloney, re-enactor whose picture graces the DVD jacket
Nick Korolev, artist and state park interpreter