The Von Trapp Family Timeline
Their story inspired The Sound of Music, but the facts are more inspiring than fiction. How the real Von Trapp family persevered.
Photo: Courtesy of the Von Trapp Family
1926
Maria Augusta Kutschera comes to the Von Trapp family as a tutor for one of the children, also named Maria, who is recovering from scarlet fever.
Photo: Courtesy of the Von Trapp Family
November 26, 1927
Maria marries Baron Georg von Trapp.
Photo: Courtesy of the Von Trapp Family
1936
Maria forms the Trapp Family Singers singing group. They win first place in the Salzburg Music Festival.
Photo: Courtesy of the Von Trapp Family
1938
In June, the Von Trapps flee Nazi-occupied Austria by train and embark on a concert tour throughout Europe.
Photo: Courtesy of the Von Trapp Family
1939
The Von Trapp family immigrates to the United States and settles in Merion, Pennsylvania.
Photo: Courtesy of the Von Trapp Family
1942
The Von Trapps move to Stowe, Vermont—a town that reminded them of Austria—and buy a farm on top of Luce Hill.
Photo: Courtesy of the Von Trapp Family
1945
The family opens the Trapp Music Camp.
Photo: Courtesy of the Von Trapp Family
1947
Baron Georg von Trapp dies.
Photo: Courtesy of the Von Trapp Family
1950
The Trapp Family Lodge (still operating today) opens to guests.
Photo: Courtesy of the Von Trapp Family
1956
The Trapp Family Singers perform their final concert in the United States.
Photo: Courtesy of The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization
1959
The Rogers and Hammerstein musical The Sound of Music opens on Broadway.
Photo: Courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox
1965
The Sound of Music movie is released and later wins an Oscar® for Best Picture.
Photo: Courtesy of the Von Trapp Family
March 28, 1987
Maria dies and is buried in the family cemetery at the Trapp Family Lodge.
More about The Sound of Music
See Maria's great-grandchildren perform "Edelweiss"
The making of The Sound of Music
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Published 10/28/2010
