Black and white photograph of the 11 "Vestal Virgins" of the 1921 Liberty Memorial site dedication, lined up in their costumes. (Left to Right: Bernice Rutherford; Edith Landes; Riva Cluff; Beatrice Clark; Elizabeth Burton; Hester Niswonger; Eda Helm; Dorothy Dolores Dreyfoos; Helen Merle Jacobs; Mary Agnes Patterson; Ruth Bird)
As part of the ceremony, a group of local young women participated as "Vestal Virgins" styled after the Roman priestesses that maintained the sacred flame of Vesta. These young women served as wreath-bearers and released a white dove of peace. One of their costumes and other artifacts from the dedication ceremony are preserved in the Museum's collection.
1980.92.5
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