Golden Wheat Chapter History
The Golden Wheat chapter was organized in 1978 to discover and to preserve our heritage and to pay tribute to our German-Russian ancestors. It was the second local chapter organized in Kansas.
Russian Empress Catharine the Great invited Germans to immigrate to Russia starting in 1764; and they lived there for over a century until they lost their military exemption and local self-government in the 1870s. As a result GRs started immigrating to Kansas in the 1870s. Many were also attracted by free homesteads and cheap railroad land on the American frontier. The first large wave, consisting of Mennonites, arrived in south-central Kansas (Marion, Harvey, and McPherson Counties) in 1874 along with Lutheran and Catholic Volga Germans. The other large area of GR settlement was in Ellis, Rush, and Russell counties in western Kansas.
The era of immigration from Russia ended in 1914 with the advent of World War I. Since then GRs have moved around the state and also come to Kansas from other states, and GRs of all groups live in south-central Kansas today.
GRs have been noted for their strong religious faith and their attachment to their German culture and language, which they had maintained while living in Russia. Schooling, hard work and industriousness, and farming were their hallmarks. Today few GRs speak German, but we still enjoy celebrating our cultural heritage.
The name Golden Wheat was chosen because GRs introduced Turkey Red hard winter wheat to Kansas in 1870s. Mennonite Bernhard Warkentin of Halstead and later of Newton played a crucial role in introducing this wheat variety to North America. It produced abundantly on the Great Plains, and its genes form a large part of every modern wheat variety. It gradually turned the Great American Desert into the nation’s bread basket.
Our chapter is involved in genealogical and historical research and social activities. Our meetings feature a potluck lunch and a speaker, along with plenty of socializing. In August we generally meet in a restaurant and visit a cultural or historical site.
Golden Wheat is open to anyone interested in any aspect of Germans from Russia, regardless of ethnic or faith background.
Become a Member
Chapter dues are $10 per year and separate from national membership. When you join, you will receive our newsletter, stay informed about chapter events, and be able to use the library. We would love for you to visit if you are considering joining. Contact the Membership Chair for more information.
Calendar of Events
Chapter meetings are held the first Sundays of February, April, June, August, October, and December at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 909 S. Market Str., Wichita, unless otherwise noted. We start at 1 p.m. with a potluck lunch, followed by a speaker and a lot of socializing. Guests and visitors are welcome (an RSVP is appreciated).
2024 Meetings
February 4: Folklore and Ethnic Heritage: Dr. Brent Mai, “A Day in the Life of a Volga German”
April 7: Genealogy: Kris Schmucker, “Ideas of Home: Researching the Architecture of Homes in West Prussia; Russia; and Goessel, Kansas”
June 2: Casual summer meeting with homemade ice cream, planning to attend the convention, and memento show and tell.
August 3: For our “annual picnic,” we are meeting at Prost in Wichita for lunch at noon and then going to the Wichita Public Library for a tour of the genealogy collection. Note the change in time, date, and location.
October 6: Peggy Goertzen, Archivist, Center for Mennonite Brethren Studies, Tabor College, will share her presentation on newspaper research from the national convention. Officer elections.
December 8: Christmas Party. Speaker – Glen Ediger, “Leave No Threshing Stone Unturned,” winner of the 2013 Kansas History Book of the Year for his book of the same name.
2025 Meeting Schedule
February 2
April 6
June 1
August 3
October 5
December 7
Library and Genealogy
Our library contains many reference books, the quarterly AHSGR Journal (formerly Work Papers), quarterly newsletters, the Clues surname exchange publication, the GRHS Heritage Review, and other resource materials. Chapter members may browse through the material and check out books. The library is open on meeting days – ask the Membership Chair for an appointment.
Experienced members also provide genealogy advice – just ask.
Social Media
Share your photos, stories, research, and news on our Facebook page. Or just introduce yourself and get acquainted.
Donations
Your generous giving helps keep our chapter strong and vibrant for the future. Contact the Treasurer if you would like to make a donation.