History of the American Turner Movement
 

Introduction

The history of the American Turners is a subject of ongoing interest.  It developed from the time Turners fled their native country because they were on the losing side in the 1848 Revolution in Europe. This had been fought to achieve unity and a republic for Germany.  Once here in the United States, they faced the prejudice of such groups as the Know-Nothings but prevailed and fight for their principles and their new country in the Civil War.  Along the way they developed much that is used today in Physical Education, as well as a love for this country and its freedoms.

While German used to be the official language of the American Turners, membership and officer positions have long since been open to all Americans.

The links provide many more details and interesting stories from the rich history of the American Turners.

	by Henry Metzner
	at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
	published since 1936, is the newsletter of the American Turners.  The newsletter contains reports on the activities of the
national organization and of individual Turner societies, obituaries of Turner members, and articles about Turner history and philosophy.  There are about 450 issues you can browse through.  Would you believe that it once cost 5¢ per issue and 50¢ for a year's subscription.
Recommended Books: &  Der Turner Soldat (English) by Prof. C. Eugene Miller and Forrest F. Steinlage, 1988 &  Research Guide to the Turner Movement in the United States. Westport, Connecticut/London 1996 by Pumroy, E. L./Rampelmann, K.: In German: &  Hofmann, Annette R. (2001). Aufstieg und Niedergang des deutschen Turnens in den USA. Schorndorf: Hofmann. &  Hofmann, Annette R. (2004). Turnen and Sport: Transatlantic Transfers. Münster: Waxmann. &  Hofmann, Annette R. & Krüger, Michael (Hrsg.). (2004). Südwestdeutsche Turner in der Emigration. Schorndorf: Hofmann.
Turner Memorabilia:    Items submitted to us by visitors for identification and discussion.  We show photos of the item and will post any pertinent remarks by Turners next to the item.  Our Historian is particularly interested in material such as Turner pamphlets, flyers and photos with notations concerning the photo.  You can email him directly from the link below.
The Turner Historians are also willing to answer your questions regarding the history of the American Turners. Please note that the IUPUI Special Collections and Archives are also ready and willing to answer questions pertaining to the history of the American Turners.