"Vestal Virgins" at the Liberty Memorial Site Dedication

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