Local History Comes to Life for Middle School Students

George Fischer Middle School students took a step back in time during a recent walking tour that brought to life the rich local history of Carmel and Putnam County which was the focus of recent in-class lessons under the direction of RTI teachers Denise Santalis and Lucy Weidenhamer.

Dressed in replica uniforms from the Revolutionary War period, 45 students were led by social studies teachers Robert Buccheri (Carmel High School) and Keith Reilly (George Fischer Middle School) on a historic hike through the Fred Dill Wildlife Sanctuary. Accompanying the group were several Carmel High School student-mentors. 

After the hike, the students stopped at the Sybil Ludington statue on Route 52 where they were greeted by Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne and Sheriff Kevin McConville and had the opportunity to witness history come to life. 

The field trip also included stops at Drew United Methodist Church to meet with retired Carmel High School Principal James McDonald and the Carmel Courthouse, where Putnam County Judge Anthony Molé spoke with the students, and they were able to see the historic jail that still exists.