Storytelling is an important oral and written tradition that ensures the continuation and enhancement of Germans from Russia history and heritage among future generations.
AHSGR invites members and non-members to participate in the Annual Storytelling Contest to capture the Germans from Russia experience through storytelling. Writers can participate by submitting fiction or nonfiction stories, and poetry that explores the history, heritage, folklore, food, and culture of the Germans from Russia. Winning stories and poems will be presented on November 25, 2025 at the Storytelling Contest Finalists Treffen Tuesday presentation via Zoom. See rules and details below for more information.
Topics for stories and poems include, but are not limited to:
- Memories passed down from Russia
- The Soviet experience: those who stayed
- Immigration experiences
- Generational stories (First, Second, Third…)
- Integrating into the new communities
- Adaptations of German from Russia traditions
Photos and illustrations to go along with the written works are encouraged.
Length restriction: Not more than 2,000 words.
Deadline for submission: Friday, September 4, 2026.
Judges will receive submissions on or about September 16, 2026. Their deadline to return results is October 14.
Finalists will be notified on October 21 by the Heritage Center working with the Culture & Folklore Committee Chair and announced via e-blast, social media, AHSGR website, and the Newsletter.
Prizes:
- $250 for First Place
- $150 for Second Place
- $100 for Third Place
- Honorable Mention (This may be awarded more than once.)
All prize winners will receive a ribbon.
Prize money will be disbursed via mailed check.
We encourage youth (ages 15 and under) to submit stories.
Submissions may be featured in the Newsletter or Journal. All submissions will be placed on the AHSGR website, and links will be included in the e-blast after the Story Time.
Judging
Unpaid qualified judges will independently read each submission. Authors’ names will not be included in the copies they receive. Each judge will use the same scoring criteria.
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