Athenaeum photograph, ca. 1945

Pressure from the community persuaded the Turners to change the name of Das Deutsche Haus to the Athenaeum. The building, however, remained one of the centers of German-American life in Indianapolis. The Athenaeum was home not only to the Athenaeum Turners (formerly the Socialer Turnverein) but also to the Musikverein, the Normal College of the American Gymnastic Union, and (having settled its differences with the group) the Indianapolis Maennerchor. Celebrations like St. Benno Fest and Oktoberfest became popular events. The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

Access Aids:

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