Confederate Surface Raider CSS Shenandoah
Early in the American Civil War, the Confederacy knew that in order to be successful they would have to cripple the North financially. With the help of the British private citizens, they purchased a series of technologically advanced ships to be used as commerce raiders and bring the war to the North on the high seas. This successful campaign resulted in not only long-term damage to the Northern shipping industry but also advancement in public international law.
A longtime lover of history, Dennis is a member of the Erie Civil War Roundtable and a Docent Guide for the US Brig Niagara, where he often shares his love of history with a wide variety of audiences. He retired in 2006 following a 40-plus year career in business, manufacturing, and engineering that included time with True Temper, Amsco, Amsco Medical Products, and Bliley Technologies.
Today, in addition to serving as a guide and guest speaker, Dennis serves as the Treasurer of the Masonic Temple Preservation Foundation, and he is a past president of the ERIE chapter of Jaycees. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, industrial management from Penn State in 1969 and continued his education with Penn State in the 1990s as an alumni participant in the University's Civil War Studies program. When he's not volunteering in the community he can be found reading, watching Penn State Football, spending time with his family at home or the Erie Yacht Club and hunting wildlife with his camera.
