Tuesday, November 28, 2017

I'm Back

It's been about four months since there have been any updates on this blog... my apologies.  Life sometimes just gets crazy.  I encourage you to check out the six posts below this one.  I've attempted to post any items that are still pertinent and of interest to you.  Just to make it clear, I absolutely appreciate all of you who follow the events of our chapter, as well as those of you who keep me current through emails and entries for me to post.  This is the time of year that we think more of the  people we are grateful for.  I am grateful for you and all the help I have received over the years through resources and your generous sharing.  Here's hoping you have a fabulous holiday season!

2016 National Archives Virtual Genealogy Fair

Check out the link for free access to these session videos and handouts.

You can watch the sessions and download the materials.  You will also find  materials from previous years.

Remember to share what you learned.


Village Coordinators of the Month


Every month we feature two Village Coordinators, to recognize the work they do for AHSGR and give members an opportunity to become more familiar with their Village Coordinators.
August 2017
Dee Hert
Anton,  Alexanderhoh,  Alexanderdorf  (North Caucasus),  Alexanderdorf   (South Caucasus),  Blumenfeld, Emmas, Tiegenhoff,  Tilfis,  Eigenheim,  Nalchik,  Johannesdorf,  Karlsruhe,  Katharinenfeld


Dee Hert has been a village coordinator for several years and continues to find villages of interest for which there is no coordinator.

“These are important areas, so I find myself agreeing to be the village coordinator,” she said. “The Caucasus region has my primary attention at this time; what a fascinating area and I am locating villagers from various regions. As I become aware of Caucasus villages without a village coordinator, I may consider adopting them.”

Dee married into a double-GR family. “My mother-in-law informed me there were very few Herts remaining; I accepted this information at face value,” she said.  “Years later I can disprove that statement as my database contains thousands of Hert/Herdt/etc.”

Dee has advice for people researching their heritage:  

“Gather all appropriate resource materials, join and refer to professional organizations depending on your objective.  Materials from AHSGR, NDGR, societies such as the Germanic Genealogy Society, Montana Historical Society are increasingly valuable,” she said. “I live in Utah and have easy access to the Family History Library (FHL) which is also an incredible resource. Facebook and other social media are constantly improving and should be reviewed frequently. Establish an AHSGR Facebook page or social media of choice and share what you learn.  Genealogy is sharing!”

Another source of information is the annual on-line Village Coordinator reports; one can improve research skills and gain insight into successful practices.

Dee encourages members to consider becoming VCs. “If you are hesitant then offer to assist another VC, mentoring can be very enjoyable.”

“AHSGR has a wonderful link to individual village files.  Read beyond your primary village, read all files as data crosses villages and your ancestors may have lived in numerous locations,” she said. “You would be amazed to learn how many villagers relocated to the Caucasus; slowly I am gathering that data into a separate database.
“I am a Life and Board member of AHSGR, I can honestly say that these folks are amazing.  They possess a positive attitude towards improvement and strive to attain the goals of preserving and promoting the Germans from Russia culture as do many individuals in the field. Working together we can move forward in a positive direction.”

Germans from Russia

Mark your calendars for the 2018 GRHS Convention which will be held in Pierre, SD  at the Ramkota Riverside Hotel, hosted by the Deutsche Glieder Chapter of GRHS.

Membership renewal is due by January 1.  

Check out www.grhs.org

This is a wonderful organization dedicated to the preservation of precious GR information.

Volga German Tours

In 2018, Dr. Mila Koretnikov and Dr. Brent Mai will be leading two tours to visit the former colonies of our Volga German ancestors.  They design these tours to visit the ancestral colonies of those who are on the tour, so each trip is unique!  They will also visit the German Cultural Center and the Volga German Archives in Engels, the State Museum in Saratov, the Gagarin Landing Site, and the Mamayev Kurgan (Motherland Calling Statue) complex and Stalingrad Battle Museum in Volgograd.

Each tour departs from New York City and lasts 9 days.  This year, for the first time, there is an option to add-on another week and visit Moscow and St. Petersburg.

2018 dates & cost per person:

May 18-27 or August 10-19 (colonies only)
$3,800 (double occupancy); $4,250 (single occupancy)

May 18-June 1 or August 10-24 (colonies + Moscow/St. Petersburg):
$5,300 (double occupancy); $6,150 (single occupancy)

For additional information including testimonials from those who participated in the 2016 and 2017 tours, please consult the tour website: VolgaGermanTours.com.

There are still several spaces available (30 maximum), so plan now to join us for the adventure!


Items of Interest

Roots Tech is scheduled for February 28 – March 3. Sign up now for a discount price.
  
CVGS – Center for Volga German Studies in Portland had to close due to lack of support. We need to support those organizations that are important to us. Resources will still be there and the Oregon Chapter will man it and do research on a limited basis.


2018 Convention in Hayes, Kansas, July 30 – Aug 2

Christmas Party

It has been suggested that we donate to Toys for Tots this year instead of having an ornament exchange. Toys should be unwrapped and will be given to the US Marine Corps for distribution. The Springville Community Presbyterian Church is scheduled for Saturday, December 9, from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. Address: 245 S. 200 E.The chapter will provide ham and the rest will be pot luck. Pat and Shirley will email maps out a week before the event.