Title: Germans from Russia Heritage Society
Dates: 1839-2015
Collection Number: 10291
Quantity: 24 feet (including oversize in map case drawer)
Abstract: The collection consists of records of the Germans from Russia Heritage Society including minutes, newsletters, audiovisual materials, scrapbooks, and correspondence, and German-Russian genealogical information consisting of notes, photographs, family data sheets, and audio tapes. The collection also contains the research of Dr. Karl Stumpp, including drafts of maps depicting the migration patterns of Germans to Russia, Europe, Asia, North America, South America, several countries, including the United States and Canada, and globally. Several maps by Ernst R. Steinbruck illustrate the settlement of Germans from Russia in North Dakota.
Provenance: The collection was created when Dr. Karl Stumpp, Tubingen, Germany, donated books, maps and printed materials to the State Historical Society of North Dakota in July 1971. Dr. Stumpp made numerous additions to the collection from 1971-1975. During the 1970s a substantial number of donations made by individuals were added to the collection. More information about these donations can be found in the case file. Dave Wolf donated the Bismarck Pioneer Chapter scrapbooks on behalf of the Chapter on October 15, 2015.
Provenance: The provenance for this collection is unknown.
Property Rights: The State Historical Society of North Dakota owns the property rights to this collection.
Copyrights: Copyrights to this collection remain with the donor, publisher, author, or author's heirs. Researchers should consult the 1976 Copyright Act, Public Law 94-553, Title 17, U.S. Code or an archivist at this repository if clarification of copyright requirements is needed.
Access: This collection is open under the rules and regulations of the State Historical Society of North Dakota.
Citation: Researchers are requested to cite the collection title, collection number, and the State Historical Society of North Dakota in all footnote and bibliographic references.
HISTORICAL SKETCH
On January 9, 1971, the North Dakota Historical Society of Germans from Russia (NDHSGR) was formed in Bismarck, ND. The Society’s first president was District Judge Ray Friederich, and meetings were held at the Grand Pacific Hotel. Incorporators of the organizing group included Friederich, Arthur Leno, LaVern C. Neff, Dr. Armand Bauer, and Pastor William H. Simpfenderfer. Neff served as Vice-President, and Simpfenderfer was elected treasurer. Mrs. Walter Essig became active secretary, succeeding acting secretary Leno.
The name of the society was changed afer a vote on July 14, 1979 to the Germans from Russia Heritage Society (GRHS). Three years later, the Society moved to East Central Avenue. As resources and activities expanded, and funds were raised, the Society moved to new a new building, 1125 West Turnpike Avenue, in December 2000.
According to the Society’s website, the GRHS “functions as a non-profit, non-denominational, non-political organization, incorporated under the laws of the State of North Dakota. Its aims are educational and social. Its purpose is to bring together people who are interested in discovering the common history unique to Germanic-Russian ethnics and to preserve the many elements of their rich heritage.” Furthermore, “The Society collects, lists, and catalogues published materials and personal documents that tell of the European migrations and exodus to the United States and Canada and also of the pioneer life on the plains” (Germans From Russia Heritage Society 2005). These materials can be accessed at their Bismarck International Headquarters library.
SOURCES:
Germans From Russia Heritage Society. 2005. A Brief History of The Germans from Russia Heritage Society. http://www.grhs.org/ (accessed December 1, 2009).
Germans From Russia Heritage Society. GRHS Board of Directors. http://www.grhs.org/ (accessed December 1, 2009).
Germans From Russia Heritage Society. Research Collection. Archival manuscript collection
10291. State Historical Society of North Dakota, State Archives.
North Dakota State University Libraries, Germans From Russia Heritage Collection. 2009. About Us. http://library.ndsu.edu/grhc/aboutus/index.htm. (accessed December 1, 2009).
BOX AND FOLDER INVENTORY
(Phase box) Scrapbook documenting the formation and first years of the Society: post cards, newspaper clippings, membership forms, songs, notes, newsletters, news releases, forms, invitations, programs, convention material, reports, photographs, charter members listing, and ephemera, 1967-1972
BOX / FOLDER INVENTORY
Box 1:
1 By-laws, constitution, organizational history material, resolution (establishing
regulations to govern organization of local chapters issuance of charter to local chapters form of by-laws to govern local chapters and reporting provisions), chapter charter (blank), 1970-1972
2 Meeting minutes – organizational meeting, organizational caucus, Board of
Directors, 1970 & 1973, 1980-1981
3 Meeting agendas and notices, 1971-1977
4 Memoranda, 1972, 1980-1981
5 Correspondence, 1970-1976
6 Correspondence – Father William Sherman (with “The Germans from Russia”
published in Sociologia Internationalis, Volume 6, booklet 2, 1968; and maps used in the article and in Sherman’s Master’s thesis, “Assimilation in a North Dakota German Russian Community,” 1965 University of North Dakota), 1965-1972
7 Membership (renewal forms, list of members, membership invitation, membership card, honor of member Murray Baldwin), 1972-1978
8 Member Paul E. Reeb survey, 1975
9 Convention material (annual conventions and international conventions and material from convention dances), 1970-1979
10 Centennial and convention committees (with photographs), 1971-1973
11 Activities (programs, music, Bismarck Centennial Celebration, dances, dinners, travel), 1971-1978
12 Financial material (statement and report), 1972-1974
13 Newsletters (Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck Chapter, and American Society),
14 Work Papers, no. 3, 4, 8 & 9, 1972
15 American Historical Society of Germans from Russia publications – Work Paper
3, February 1970; “A Tribute to William Frederick Urbach: Founder of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia,” by Theodore C. Wenzlaff
16 Brochures (North Dakota and national societies), 1971-1981
17 Oral history project (Art Leno)
18 Envelopes and letterhead
19 Dr. Karl Stumpp, honorary president elect – publications, articles, book order
forms, news releases 1964-1976
20 State Historical Society of North Dakota (as repository for the Germans from
Russia Heritage Society’s records), 1971-1972
21 Family Data Sheets, A-G
22 Family Data Sheets, H-M
23 Family Data Sheets, N-S
24 Family Data Sheets, T-Z
25 Pedigree charts and family trees
26 Biographies
27 Elsie Louise Schuetzle Huether – History and Origin of the Germans from Russia (1970), two copies of “The Germans from Russia: Our Ancestors,” talk (1971), 1970-1971
28 The Fischer Family Chronicle (copy) by Mathias J. Fischer (manuscript), 1965
29 Samples of genealogical records, the Mehlhaff family, from Dr. Stumpp’s book
30 Church Histories – Carbon Baptist Church (50th Anniversary booklet), St. Paul’s
Lutheran Church, Monango, ND (50th Anniversary booklet), Peace Lutheran Church, Merricourt, ND (50th Anniversary of dedication of building), sketch of the Diocese of Tiraspol, Russia (by John E. Pfeiffer), 1953-1971
31 Mennonites (to Kansas) – copied page from book, Mennonite Life (March 1973),
description of early houses among the Mennonites (news clipping transcriptions), Mennonite research fellowship proposal of lectures
32 Letters to the Imperial Russian Consulate, Chicago, from M. M. Wetzstein, Glen
Ullin, ND, 1910
33 Certificates, program, contract (copies), 1884-1931
34 Passenger lists (vessels Leipzig, Herder and Hammonia), 1876 & 1880
35 Acceptance of two new members by the village of Cassel, Russia, dated December
5, 1839
36 Lists of research books, books for sale, order forms, books donated, bibliographies,
research collections
37 Notes and addresses
38 Newspaper clippings and transcriptions of clippings, 1905-1971
39 Publications (in English) – “the Russian Germans: Migration of the First Russian
Germans to Dakota,” Friedrich Mutschelknaus, Nebraska History 49:4, 1968 (copy); Notes on the Bauer translation of Richard Sallet’s Russian-German Settlements in the United States; “Eureka, S. D. Was Once The World’s Wheat Mart” (copy); How To Find My German Ancestors and Relatives, Dr. Heinz F. Friederichs, 1969; “Sixty Years of Service: The Story of St. Joseph’s Hospital” (Dickinson, ND) (two copies)
40 Publications (in German)
Box 2:
1 Articles from Heimatbuch of Bessarabians (and tables of contents), 1950-1971
2 Dakota Freie Press (history [English] and clippings [German])
3 Yearbooks/home calendars – Bessarabian Heimatkalender, Heimatkalender der
Bessarabiendeutschen, Heimatbuch der Oftumfiedler, Heimatbuch der Deutschen aus Rußland, Heimatbuch Der Ostumsiedler (indexes only), Heimatbuch der Deutschen aus Russland (indexes only), 1951-1972
4 Volk Auf Dem Weg, 1970-1973
5 Heimat Im Glauben, 1970-1973
6 Photographs
7 Songs for Sing-A-Longs for the International Convention of the Germans from Russia Heritage Society a and the Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), circa 1985-1995
8 Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), meeting attendance notebook, 1999-2004
9 Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), general meeting minutes, 1996-2009
10 Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), board meeting minutes, 1996-2009
11 Planning materials for the 25th Annual Convention of the Germans from Russia Heritage Society, 1995
(loose) Audio tapes and sound recording tape reels:
Sing & Jokes – Art Leno, North Dakota Society of Germans from Russia, speech – Rev F. W. Sherman, Judge Ray Friederich, Rugby Chairman, January 9, 1971;
Art Leno Jager Liedt, 1st part cool water;
Dr. Karl Stumpf, July 15, 1971, BJC 8:30 PM #2 gifts and close, Art Leno;
blank reel “Art Leno”;
Art Leno – 1st tape at G. P. hall of 4 seasons;
#1 stereo – Art Leno, Dr. Karl Stumpf, July 15, 1971, BJC 8:30 PM #1 Art Leno
(loose) Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.) videotapes:
AMVETS Hall, Buckstop Junction Historical Town, Ethnic Fashions, Program, Norwegians, Ukrainians, Native American and Germans from Russia, Style Show – Gay Nineties fashions, April 12, 1996;
Dakota Pioneer Chapter meeting, installation of officers, singing (Joe Kirsch), business meeting, program by Dave Pearce travels to Russia, maps & video, life in Russia, June 25, 1996;
Buckstop Junction, Bismarck annual corn and watermelon feed, music-programs by ethnic groups, church service, historic buildings, dedication, threshing and more, August 25, 1996;
Faith Lutheran Church, Bismarck, German all-denomination Advent service sponsored by Dakota Pioneer Chapter of GRHS, host Pastor Rev. Sherer, sermon Rev. Fischer, December 1, 1996;
German Advent service at First Methodist Church in Bismarck (N.D.), sponsored by Dakota Pioneer Chapter, sermon by Rev. Neuberger, harp, solos, trios, December 7, 1997;
German Advent service at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Bismarck (N.D.), sponsored by Dakota Pioneer Chapter, sermon by Rev. Ed Zuern, special music, solo, December 6, 1998;
German Advent service sponsored by Dakota Pioneer Chapter at McCabe Methodist Church, sermon by Rev. Lisa Ahlness, social gathering, December 5, 1999;
Dakota Pioneer Chapter German Advent service at Cathedral, Rev. Ted Bader gives sermon, social hour, December 2, 2001 – Chapter Christmas meeting and party, Santa and more, December 11, 2001;
Dakota Pioneer Chapter 30th anniversary celebration at AMVETS in Bismarck (N.D.), Herb Kaul – president, Clarence Bauman, Ed Zuern, Gilbert Ost speaking, White Rose band of Fargo (N.D.), April 19, 2002
(loose) DVD copies of all videotapes
(Phase box) Scrapbook documenting the formation and first years of the Society - post cards, newspaper clippings, membership forms, songs, notes, newsletters, news releases, forms, invitations, programs, convention material, reports, photographs, charter members listing, and ephemera, 1967-1972
OVERSIZE (ON SHELF):
Scrapbook: Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), 1972
Scrapbook: Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), 1973
Scrapbook: Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), 1973
Scrapbook: Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), 1974
Scrapbook: Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), 1975-1976
Scrapbook: Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), 1977-1978
Scrapbook: Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), 1978-1979
Scrapbook: Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), 1979-1980
Scrapbook: Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), 1980-1981
Scrapbook: Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), 1981-1982
Scrapbook: Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), 1982-1983
Scrapbook: Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), 1983-1984
Scrapbook: Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), 1985-1986
Scrapbook: Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), 1986-1987
Scrapbook: Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), 1987-1988
Scrapbook: Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), 1988-1989
Scrapbook: Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), 1989-1990
Scrapbook: Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), 1990-1991
Scrapbook: Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), 1991-1992
Scrapbook: Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), 1992-1993
Scrapbook: Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), 1993-1994
Scrapbook: Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), 1994-1995
Scrapbook: Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), 1995-1996
Scrapbook: Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), 1996-1997
Scrapbook: Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), 1997-1998
Scrapbook: Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), 1998-1999
Scrapbook: Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), 1999-2000
Scrapbook: Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), 2000-2001
Scrapbook: Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), 2001-2002
Scrapbook: Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), 2002-2003
Scrapbook: Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), 2003-2004
Scrapbook: Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), 2004-2005
Scrapbook: Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), 2005-2006
Scrapbook: Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), 2006-2007
Scrapbook: Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), 2007-2008
Scrapbook: Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), 2008-2009
Scrapbook: Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), 2009-2010
Scrapbook: Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), 2010-2011
Scrapbook: Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), 2011-2012
Scrapbook: Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), 2012-2013
Scrapbook: Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), 2013-2014
Scrapbook: Dakota Pioneer Chapter, Bismarck (N.D.), 2014-2015
OVERSIZE (MAP CASE DRAWER):
Folder 1: Maps by Dr. Karl Stumpp from Heimatbuch (Settlement Directories), 1955-1966 (Donated December 10, 1972)
10291-00001 Map of the German settlements in the Volga region, drawn August 1954
10291-00002 Map of the German settlements in the area Zaporozhye, drawn August 1956
10291-00003 Map of the German settlements in the region Dnipropetrovsk, drawn August 1956
10291-00004 Map of the German settlements in the region Nikolayev, drawn August 1957
10291-00005 Overview map of the places of residence of the Germans in the Soviet Union, drawn ca. 1958
10291-00006 Map of the German settlements in the Rostov region, drawn August 1958
10291-00007 Map of the German settlements in the Stalino region, drawn August 1958
10291-00008 Map of Hesse with the places from which the Volga Germans emigrated, drawn ca. 1959
10291-00009 Map of the German settlements in Crimea, drawn ca. 1959
10291-00010 Map of immigration locations: Stuttgart, Ludwigsburg, Heibronn, Vaihingen, Leonberg, Böblingen, Esslingen, Waiblingen, Backnang, Öhringen, Nürtingen, Tübingen u. Reutlingen, drawn ca. 1960
10291-00011 Map of the German settlements in the north South Caucasus, drawn August 1960
10291-00012 Map of Wurttemberg, Baden, Pfalz and Elsaβ, with the places from which the Black Sea Germans emigrated 1804-1842, drawn August 1961
10291-00013 Map of German settlements in Ukrainian Volhynia, drawn August 1961
10291-00014 Map of the German settlements in St. Petersburg, drawn August 1961
10291-00015 Map of the German-Russian settlements in the U.S.A. and Mexico, drawn ca. 1962
10291-00016 Map of the German-Russian settlements in Canada, drawn August 1962
10291-00017 Map of the German-Russian settlements in South America, drawn August 1962
10291-00018 Map of the German settlements in the Asian part of the Soviet Union, drawn August 1964
10291-00019 Map of the German settlements in Old Samara, Ufa Davlekanovo, Orenburg, New Samara and Aktjubinsk, drawn August 1964
10291-00020 Map of the German settlements in the territories Omsk, Slavgorod (Kulunda steppe) Zelinograd (Akmolinsk), drawn August 1964
10291-00021 Map of the still existing settlement areas and German villages in the European and Asian parts of the Soviet Union, drawn August 1964
10291-00022 Map of the today's settlement areas of the Germans in the Soviet Union, drawn August 1962
10291-00023 Map of global migrations of the Germans from Russia, drawn ca. 1965
Folder 2: Maps by Dr. Karl Stumpp (Donated September 9, 1972) (Map 00027 is by Ernst R. Steinbrueck)
10291-00024 The German settlements in Crimea
10291-00025 Plat showing location of German-Russians, Roman Catholic and Lutheran in Morton, Oliver, Mercer, Dunn, Stark and Hettinger Counties (N.D.), drawn in 1908 (Ernst R. Steinbrueck)
10291-00026 Plat of Morton County (N.D.) depicting Germans from Russia settlements, drawn in 1908 (Ernst R. Steinbrueck)
10291-00027 Map of global migrations of the Germans from Russia
10291-00028 Origin Lander trails and settlement areas (1763-1861) of the Volga and Black Sea Germans in the mother colonies
10291-00029 Map of the German-Russian settlements in the U.S.A. and Mexico, drawn ca. 1962
10291-00030 Map of the German-Russian settlements in the U.S.A. and Mexico, drawn ca. 1962
10291-00031 Map of the German settlements in the Odessa region, drawn August 1955
10291-00032 Map of the former and current [1962] settlement areas of the Germans in the Soviet Union, drawn August 1962
10291-00033 Map of the former and current [1962] settlement areas of the Germans in the Soviet Union, drawn August 1962
10291-00034 Map of the former and current [1962] settlement areas of the Germans in the Soviet Union, drawn August 1962
10291-00035 Map of the German settlements in the Odessa region, drawn August 1955
10291-00036 Map of Russia German settlements in Canada, drawn August 1962
10291-00037 Emigration map with the circles: Stuttgart, Ludwigsburg, Heilbronn, Vaihingen, Leonberg, Böblingen, Esslingen, Waiblingen, Backnang, Öhringen, Nürtingen, Tübingen u Reutlingen
10291-00038 Map of the German settlements in the area Alt-Samara, Ufa Davlekanovo, Orenburg, New Samara and Aktjubinsk, drawn August 1964
10291-00039 Map of the German settlements in the territories Omsk, Slavgorod (Kulunda-Steppe) Zelinograd (Akmolinsk), drawn August 1964
10291-00040 Map of the German settlements in the Dnepropetrovsk region, drawn August 1957
10291-00041 Map of the German settlements in the Stalino region, drawn August 1958
10291-00042 Map of the German settlements in the Rostov region, drawn August 1958
10291-00043 Map of the German settlements in North Caucasus, drawn August 1960
10291-00044 Map of the German settlements in Ukrainian Volhynia, drawn August 1961
10291-00045 Map of the German settlements in the Volga region, drawn August 1954
10291-00046 Map of the German settlements in the area Zaporozhye, drawn August 1956
10291-00047 Map of the German-Russian settlements in South America, drawn August 1962
10291-00048 Map of the today's settlement areas of the Germans in the Soviet Union, drawn August 1962
10291-00049 Map of the German settlements in the Nikolayev region, drawn August 1957
10291-00050 Map of the existing settlement areas and German villages in the European (Orenburg/ Ufa) and the Asian part of the Soviet Union (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Siberia), drawn August 1964
10291-00051 Map: countries of origin, trails, and settlement areas (1763-1861) of the Volga and Black Sea Germans in the mother colonies
10291-00052 Map of the German settlements in the Odessa region, drawn August 1955
Folder 3: Maps by Dr. Karl Stumpp
10291-00053 Map of the itineraries of Friedrich Schwartz of Kupferzell to Josephstal, Jakob Mayr of Lauingen to Odessa and Jakob Mayr of Odessa to Lauingen, 1817-1822
10291-00054 Map of the former and current [1962] settlement areas of the Germans in the Soviet Union, drawn August 1962
10291-00055 Map of global migrations of the Germans from Russia, drawn ca. 1965
10291-00056 Map of global migrations of the Germans from Russia, drawn ca. 1965
10291-00057 Map of the German settlements in the territories Omsk, Slavgorod (Kulunda steppe) Zelinograd (Akmolinsk), drawn ca. 1964
10291-00058 Map of the German settlements in Rostov region, drawn August 1958
10291-00059 Map of the German settlements in the Odessa region, drawn August 1955
10291-00060 Map of the German settlements in the Stalino region, drawn August 1958
10291-00061 Map of the German settlements in New (south) Russia, drawn August 1921
10291-00062 Map of the German settlements in Bessarabia, drawn August 1954
10291-00063 Map of the German settlements on the Crimean peninsula
10291-00064 Map of the German settlements in Bessarabia, 1940
10291-00065 Map of the German settlements in St. Petersburg, drawn August 1961
10291-00066 Map of the German settlements in the north South Caucasus, drawn August 1960
10291-00067 Overview map of the individual states of Germany, from which migrations into the Black Sea region (incl. The Caucasus and Bessarabia ) occurred in the years 1789-1842
10291-00068 Map of the German settlements or settlement areas in the Asian part of the Soviet Union : North (Siberia) and Central Asia, drawn August 1964
10291-00069 Map of the German settlements in the territories Omsk, Slavgorod (Kulunda steppe) Zelinograd (Akmolinsk), drawn August 1964
10291-00070 Map of the former and current [1962] settlement areas of the Germans in the Soviet Union, drawn August 1962
Address:
612 East Boulevard Ave.
Bismarck, North Dakota 58505
Get Directions
Hours:
State Museum and Store: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. M-F; Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
We are closed New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. We are closed at noon Christmas Eve if it falls on Mon.-Thurs. and are closed all day if it falls on Fri.-Sun.
State Archives: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. M-F, except state holidays; 2nd Sat. of each month, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Appointments are recommended. To schedule an appointment, please contact us at 701.328.2091 or archives@nd.gov.
State Historical Society offices: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. M-F, except state holidays.
Contact Us:
phone: 701.328.2666
email: history@nd.gov
Social Media:
See all social media accounts
