What Is Your Family Story

Author Karen Schutte, a second generation Volga German, shares her family's stories of immigration in a four volume set of historical novels.

Village Discussions

I have to say that the village meeting I attended was well worth the time.  I so appreciate the effort and resources that Nick and Barb Bretz shared with us.  I felt  my trip was worth it because of the connections I made in that meeting.  A third cousin that I'd never met before was extremely helpful and generous, giving me three family pictures and sharing a story I'd never heard. 

The Immigrant Woman

Norma Pipkin gave an outstanding presentation at the convention. She portrayed her great great grandmother, reenacting a time when Germans from Russia left to come to an unknown country to secure a better life.

Convention Cooking Classes

New Potatoes in Butter Cream Sauce

Maultaschen

Finding Your Ancestor's German Origins

Maggie Hein has a wealth of knowledge and gave many helpful hints for finding your ancestor's German origins.

The Storm

Welcome to the AHSGR Convention in Hays, Kansas.

Volga German Haus

This is a replica of the size and type of  home early Volga German settlers built. When the first immigrants arrived to establish their villages, they quickly constructed small dug-out sod shelters.The sod shelters were used until a more permanent house of native limestone rock could be built. The interior contains two rooms: a small room containing the  mud stove and the cooking utensils, and a large room that served as the living, dining, and sleeping area.

Kansas Artist

This guy is amazing!  He has studied the Volga villages that he paints and truly catches their spirit.  I enjoyed visiting with him, such an interesting character.  Thanks, Michael Boss, for your beautiful art.

Hays, Kansas

I was so thrilled to be in Hays for the AHSGR Conference.  We took some time to drive around the city and check out some of the sights.  What a wonderful place!  I especially enjoyed a look at the churches.