PORT CLINTON—Sixth-grade students from Port Clinton Immaculate Conception School and their social studies teacher, Jane Drusbacky, recently traveled to Johnson’s Island in the Sandusky Bay for a first-hand look at a Civil War prison there.

A sixth-grade student from Port Clinton Immaculate Conception School learns the methods involved in doing an archeological dig at Johnson’s Island. (Photo courtesy of Port Clinton Immmaculate Conception School)

After eight weeks of study of the history of Johnson’s Island and artifacts, the class visited the area on the island where Civil War prisoners were buried.

Dr. David Bush from Heidelberg College guided the archeological dig and explained some important facts about the people buried in this area. The class was then divided into groups where two did the digging and two were in charge of screening specimens.
 
Students were challenged to find the most artifacts in order to win a prize. The group did such an outstanding job that everyone received a prize.
 
Dr. Bush and his assistants read various letters written by the prisoners who were held on Johnson’s Island. This field trip was an interesting and fun learning experience.

Halee Jones is a sixth-grader at Port Clinton Immaculate Conception