High school students unearth history

For local high school students a day spent digging at Prophetstown State Park presented a chance to unearth history.

"We are trying to show kids the ins and outs of archeology," said Tippecanoe County Historical Association Program Assistant Amanda Devine.

The wide eyes and dirty hands were all thanks to the Tippecanoe County Historical Association. Devine said the dig was something new for the group.

"This is a first field school so this is the first time we've ever done it. We have a good group of students that all seem very eager," said Devine.

"It's a really good time. I'm learning a lot and everyone here is just having a blast," said Harrison High School graduate Taylor Nichols.

Archaeologist Colin Graham said there's no substitute for hands on learning.

"This is an excellent opportunity for young people to come out and see history. It's not a textbook. They are actually observing history by what we are finding out here," said Graham.

McCutcheon Junior Samantha Johnston spent hours sifting through soil trying to distinguish historical treasure from things far more common.

"I'm trying to tell the difference between rock and artifacts right now," said Johnston.

Archaeologists know patience is a virtue and much time is spent searching. Graham said it all pays off when you uncover a piece of history.

"It's exciting you know everybody gets together, crowds around it, takes a look at it, a lot of times though it's not until we get back to the laboratory that we are really able to piece together everything," said Graham.

So far the group has uncovered a silver cross believed to be carried by a French trader and several rounds of ammunition for muskets.

Graham said any items found by students will be analyzed, cleaned, and made available to both state and local museums.