Also supports and enhance civic and social knowledge and assists members of the community of Spaniards in assimilating into the Hoosier culture. ("Casa de España") was formed to provide a formal body to the Spanish community in Indiana. Maria Wildridge, a native of Spain, and an Indiana resident for 18 years, had been organizing events and gatherings with the community of Spaniards in Indiana. Als
o, Maria and a group of people form Spain participated in different outreach events, representing the culture and traditions of Spain. During a visit to the consulate of Spain in Chicago, Maria told the Consul of Spain at the time, Carmen Fontes Muñoz, of her intention and desire to start a Casa de España; the Consul welcomed Maria's idea immediately, and put Maria in touch with the embassy of Spain in Washington, D.C. A few weeks later, Maria was contacted by Gonzalo Giménez Coloma, from the embassy in Washington D.C., who offered the embassy's support to the organization. Several months later, Maria started to formalize La Casa de España en Indiana, Inc.
