The Death of a Legacy - the von Trapp Family Singers, who Inspired "The Sound of Music"

Maria Franziska von Trapp: Petition for USA naturalization, 1948

Many of us awoke to sad news today - Maria Franziska von Trapp, the last remaining member of this world-renowned singing group, died on February 18th at age 99. At first glance, many will think the mother was the final member, but Maria was in fact the second eldest daughter, played by Louisa in the stage musical and the film. There are several key differences between this real-life family and the fictional family of Broadway and Hollywood. Many people don't even realize that "The Sound of Music" was based on reality!

So, who were the von Trapps, really?