Volga German Heritage of
Ellis and Rush Counties in Kansas

The Center for Ethnic Studies is located in Forsyth Library on the campus of Fort Hays State University. The Center was created by the Sunflower Chapter of the AHSGR and is maintained by staff at Forsyth Library. Hours are from 8:00 to 4:30 Monday through Friday, and appointments are appreciated. You may phone 785-628-5901 or e-mail to make an appointment.

Scouts
Came to America in 1874 to look at settlement possibilities

Liebenthal
Founded February 22, 1876

Catharine
Founded April 8, 1876

Herzog
Founded April 8, 1876

Munjor
Founded August, 1876

Pfeifer
Founded August 21 [24], 1876

Schoenchen
Founded April-May, 1877

Much of the information in this Web site is from two books. You can access the book titled "Golden Jubilee of the German Russian Settlements of Ellis and Rush Counties, Kansas" by clicking on the following Web site: http://skyways.lib.ks.us/genweb/archives/ethnic/german-russian/jubilee/index.html.

The other book is titled "Official Centennial History of the Volga-German Settlements in Ellis and Rush Counties of Kansas, 1876-1976", and its author is Norbert R. Dreiling. Both of these books can be found in Forsyth Library's Center for Ethnic Studies.

E-mail me with questions or comments. Most of the photographs on this Web site were taken by Patty Nicholas, and acknowledgement is given for any other photographs.