The 130-Year History Hiding Behind the Rathskeller | Craig Mince, Athenaeum Foundation

On today's show I sat down with Craig Mince, president of the Athenaeum Foundation, about the Athenaeum (often known as the Rathskeller) and its evolution from Das Deutsche Haus, founded by pro-democracy German Turner gymnasts committed to "sound mind, sound body."

Craig explains the building's 1894 east wing (gym, Rathskeller) and 1897 west wing (parlors, ballroom, 400-seat theater), its open membership model, and its role in early physical education training.

Our conversation covers name changes during anti-German sentiment, long-running German heritage events, and how a $6 million Lilly Endowment gift led to forming the nonprofit foundation in 1991 to save the building.

Craig details today's operations, including the Turner Gymnasium with 900+ members, Coat Check Coffee, theater restoration plans, and major events like St. Paddy's Day and Germanfest, and shares local ghost stories and overnight paranormal hunts.

If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast.

You are going to learn about:
- The Purpose, History and Evolution of the Athenaeum
- Athenaeum Festivals, Traditions and the Rathskeller
- Ghost Stories and Paranormal Activity at the Athenaeum

Check out these great clips from the show:
00:00 Overnight Takeover Tease
00:27 Meet The Athenaeum
02:18 Turners Origin Story
04:22 Building Layout And Purpose
06:53 Early Amenities And PE Roots
10:45 War Era Name Change
13:14 Athenaeum Meaning Explained
16:39 Festivals And German Traditions
20:12 Saving The Building In 1991
23:50 Rathskeller History And Virtual Tour
28:06 Athenaeum Today In 2026
34:04 Funding Preservation Ideas
36:42 New Gate Fundraiser
37:14 Name on the Plaque
38:18 Events and Crowd Size
39:33 Bathroom Pro Tips
40:55 Bands That Pack It
44:12 Biggest Days of Year
46:02 Hauntings and Ghost Hunters
50:41 Overnight Ghost Hunt
51:54 Theater Myths Explained
54:57 Indiana Home and Favorites
57:42 150-Year Vision
01:00:17 Final Questions and Wrap

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