The Center for Ethnic Studies - Fort Hays State University

PREFACE
The Center for Ethnic Studies at Forsyth Library originated in 1977 with an initiative by
Professor James L. Forsythe and this writer. The subsequent creation of an "Ethnic Studies Project"
which envisioned the collection, preservation, and study of the records pertaining to the immigrant
heritage of western Kansas eventually led to the establishment of the present Center for Ethnic
Studies. From the very outset, FHSU President Gerald W. Tomanek lent his support to the project
to demonstrate the university's commitment to the study of the contribution of immigrants to the
social, cultural, and economic development of the region.
While the collection originally focused on the Germans from Russia whose economic,
social and cultural impact has been the major formative element in the region, the scope of the
collection broadened considerably over the years to include other ethnic groups in Kansas, among
them the Bukowina Germans, Czechs, Scandinavians, Hispanics, and African Americans. All
along, representatives of the Volga German Society (and later) of the Bukovina Society of the
Americas lent their support to the undertaking. Professor Leona Pfeifer, in particular, played a
crucial role in building up the collection by securing a variety of documents, oral interviews, and
photographs and by donating her collection of obituary cards.
As the only collection of its kind in the state of Kansas -- both in terms of its focus and its
holdings -- the Center for Ethnic Studies continues to attract scholars from universities in the
United States and Germany.
Among the many items in the collection that are particularly noteworthy are the personal
papers, assorted records and audio tapes of the noted folklorist Lawrence Weigel; the major
publication of the Association of Germans from Russia in Germany (Landsmannschaft der
Deutschen aus Russland), the indispensable Heimatbücher der Deutschen aus Russland; the
publications of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia and a number of
publications relating to the history and culture of the Bukovina Germans. Diaries, chronicles,
family histories, census records, and baptismal records, together with maps, photographs, audio and
video tape recordings and pertinent reference works make up the bulk of the collection.
To assist researchers, the facility has been equipped with a PC, a microfilm reader, as well
as audio and video playback equipment.
The establishment of the Center for Ethnic Studies would not have been possible without
the generosity of the Volga German Society of Ellis and Rush counties, in particular, the work of
Mr. Francis Schippers who was instrumental in leading the effort to provide the needed funds for
refurbishing and equipping the facilities.
The compilation of the Guide to the Collection owes a great deal to the dedication of Phyllis
Schmidt, former Public Service Librarian at FHSU and currently at Montana State University, and
of Esta Lou Riley, University Archivist Emeritus. Jerry Braun, a local teacher, and Marthann
Schulte, a graduate student, contributed a great deal of time and effort towards the completion of
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