Spirit of 1776 Ball photograph, 1910

While German-Americans strongly clung to their German cultural heritage, they also embraced their American cultural heritage as strongly as any other group. The Forty-eighters in particular saw similarities between themselves and those Americans who fought for American independence. A ball with a colonial theme was held at the athenaeum each year in honor of George Washington's birthday.

Access Aids:

Athenaeum Turners Records, Ruth Lilly Special Collections and Archives, University Library, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis.