Welcome!
Thank you for your interest in the Oregon Chapter of The American Historical Society of Germans from Russia (AHSGR). Our organization is a resource for learning about the history and heritage of this ethnic group. The Oregon Chapter of AHSGR was established on November 21, 1971 and is affiliated with the AHSGR International which is headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Photograph of Henry and Katherine Miller's children about 1925. Photograph courtesy of Chris Kauhi.
We have a rich history and culture. Migrating from the Germanic areas of Western Europe beginning in the 1760's, the German Russians settled in many parts of the Russian Empire where they built stable communities, established farms, churches, schools and businesses in their new homeland.
In the later part of the 19th century, many of these ethnic Germans looked to America to find new opportunities, escape political repression and preserve their way of life. By the early 1880s these pioneers were moving west and many came to call the Northwest their new home.
The Germans from Russia became an integral part of the diverse fabric of Oregon and Southwest Washington.
We hope that you will explore the culture, history and heritage of the Germans from Russia and become active in its preservation.
The American Historical Society of Germans is an international organization dedicated to the discovery, collection, preservation, and dissemination of information related to the history, cultural heritage and genealogy of Germanic Settlers in the Russian Empire and their descendants.
Oregon Chapter Bylaws - Adopted May 22, 2000
The AHSGR Oregon Chapter Banner created by Roy Conrad Derring, a professional artist whose ancestral village is Norka, Russia. Roy presented the banner to the Oregon Chapter on January 13, 1991.
Upcoming Events
Oregon Chapter Program
New Date! - Sunday, June 23 at 2:00 pm
Our speaker will be Petr Burunov. Petr was born in Frunze, Kyrgyzstan (formerly part of the Soviet Union and now known as Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan). Petr grew up in the German speaking community and will tell us about his life in Kyrgyzstan and how he made his way to the USA and completed degrees at George Fox College and PSU.
The program will be held at the Center for Volga German Studies at Concordia University on the 3rd floor of the George R. White Library.
We hope to see you there!
Plan to attend the AHSGR International Convention, July 7-14, 2013 in Fort Collins, Colorado
There will be no chapter meetings or programs in July and August. Enjoy the summer and we look forward to seeing you in September!
Register for the Norka Founders Day Event!
Read the latest Oregon Chapter Newsletter for more information or follow us on Facebook 
Membership Benefits
Membership in the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia provides you with access to vast resources of historical information which will allow you to learn more about your family history.
The Oregon Chapter also enjoys a close partnership with The Center for Volga German Studies at Concordia University (CVGS) that holds one of the largest collections of materials on this group of German Russians.
Membership in AHSGR provides many benefits:
- Participate in programs where you will learn more about the Germans from Russia. Programs are generally held at the CVGS which is located on the third floor of the George R. White Library and Learning Center on the Concordia University campus in Portland.
- Receive the monthly Oregon Chapter Newsletter “Chronicle Unsere Leute” (The Chronicle of Our People), the quarterly AHSGR International “Journal” and the AHSGR International quarterly “Newsletter”
- Meet other people who share your interests
- Find information about your ancestors and learn about the events that shaped their lives
- Enjoy ethnic foods and music
- Explore The Center for Volga German Studies library at Concordia University in Portland
The George R. White Library & Learning Center at Concordia University is home to The Center for Volga German Studies and the Oregon Chapter of AHSGR.
Join Us Today!
Annual membership dues for the Oregon Chapter are $25.
Join us today by completing our membership form and sending a check payable to the AHSGR Oregon Chapter, in care of:
Jim Holstein, AHSGR Oregon Chapter Treasurer
PO Box 55218
Portland, OR 97238-5218
Jim can also be reached at 503-367-1757 if you have any membership questions.
The Oregon Chapter of AHSGR is a tax-exempt nonprofit organization organized under the Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3). As such, your dues are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
The current membership levels and annual dues for joining the AHSGR International can be found here. We ask that you remit payment for international dues directly to AHSGR in Lincoln, NE.