In 1990 AHSGR, with the help of the Landsmannschaft der Deutschen aus Russland in Stuttgart, Germany, undertook a tape interviewing project of the older emigrants (Aussiedlers); those who had immigrated back to their ancestral homeland, Germany, from Russia (USSR). The purpose of the agreement between AHSGR and the Landsmannschaft was to establish a cooperative venture of genealogical and historical research through recording interviews of the many life stories of the German Aussiedler from Russia. Only those born in the home villages and lived there until 1941 can tell us what happened to family members who remained in Russia after our ancestors emigrated. These are the stories of two such families.

Growing Up German-Russian: A Radio Series is a collection of narratives gleaned from the oral histories collection of the Dakota Memories Oral History Project.

Originally aired on Prairie Public radio in March and April; the narratives provide a glimpse of growing up in North Dakota.  From coming to Ellis Island and singing a traditional funeral song in German to learning to drive a tractor and swim, eight German-Russians share their experiences of immigrating and life on the plains.

The CD is 40 minutes, including the interviews and commentaries.

The Germans from Russia Heritage Collection is pleased to provide this CD of the well known Volga German folk singer, musician and humorist. This CD is the first in a series that are produced by Larry Weigel, son of Lawrence Weigel.

This recording was made in 1976 by Lawrence A. Weigel, to commemorate the centennial celebration of the arrival of the Volga German settlers in Ellis and Rush counties in 1876. Lawrence traces the migration of our ancestors from Germany to Russia in 1763 and tells of the hardships they endured for a century along the Volga River before finding their freedom in America.

He demonstrated how folk songs became an integral part of the culture, and sings and plays his Hammond organ throughout his presentation. You'll hear songs about the way Volga German boys were drafted into the Russian army in 1874, migration songs, wedding songs, and an old fashioned "Hochzeit" played on his keyboard organ.

He concludes with holiday and wedding traditions, and stories about the impact of the folk medicine doctors. This is a CD every Volga German descendent should have as part of their family history for generations to come.