Virtual Q&A – Clara Jones: A Forgotten Civil War Nurse

Discover the story of Clara Jones, a full-time teacher whose remarkable wartime experiences included assisting the wounded aboard a hospital ship, and at hospitals in Alexandria, Virginia, and at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

On May 8 at 1:00 PM, celebrate nurses week at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine as Education Coordinator John Lustrea will tell the story of Clara Jones – a forgotten Civil War nurse on a Facebook Live presentation. Send us your questions in advance on Facebook or by email (john.lustrea@civilwarmed.321staging.com) and tune in to the Museum’s Facebook page for what is sure to be a fascinating conversation.

Since entering the public record in 2003, when Clara Jones’ letters were donated to the museum, very few have read them. They tell an incredible tale of sacrifice and compassion. Jones was an unmarried 28 year old single woman when the Civil War broke out. While she wanted desperately to rush to the front to comfort sick and wounded soldiers, she needed the pay of her full-time teaching job to support herself. That did not stop her from traveling to the front on school breaks of any length. Hear about her amazing efforts.

John Lustrea is a member of the Education Department and the Website Manager at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine. He earned his Master’s degree in Public History from the University of South Carolina. Lustrea previously worked at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park during the summers of 2013-2016.

Like these programs? Consider supporting our efforts by becoming a member or donating to the Museum! Your efforts ensure that we can continue sharing the story of Civil War medicine in this crucial time. In history, we can find hope amid our struggle against COVID-19.