The American Historical Society of Germans from Russia was founded in 1968. Its mission is to discover, collect, preserve, and share the history, cultural heritage, and genealogical legacy of German settlers in the Russia Empire. Throughout the years we have fulfilled our mission by hosting an annual convention where members meet and conduct family research; listen to scholars of German Russian history; conduct ongoing research activities; learn about the latest technology for family research; and collaborate and renew previous acquaintances and connect with new attendees. We have purchased and translated hundreds of vital and other relevant records from Russia, conducted multiple education classes both virtually and in person, collected stories and family histories and assisted members and nonmembers seeking their family history and connections.

The planned format for the convention will be a single main presentation room with the day’s agenda held in a roundtable format. Each set of speakers will be presenting, followed by a roundtable question and answer time. Each day of the convention will be focused on a specific area of our Ancestors journey and life as they moved from Germanic areas started by Catherine the Great, then arrival, life in and departure from Russia, and finally on day three travel to and life after leaving Russia for their new destination. We are encouraging a broad array of presentations in each session covering anything from religion, geographic area, government pressures, wars or other influences that made the next move attractive or mandatory. And what foods and traditions moved with them. All settlement areas of Germans from Russia are welcome to be represented and included in the program.

1) Day one will be the Germanic life from the early 1800’s up through the departure for Russia.

2) Day two will cover the Russia years

3) Day three will speak to the next destination, be it Canada, the United States, South America, back to Germany or other parts of the world.

Speakers from the United States, who are not members of AHSGR, may be offered a daily registration and meal(s) for the day of presentation. International speakers may be offered further travel compensation.