Members:
Elizabeth Barker, Marge Benson, Nick Bretz, Leona Janke, Eleanor Sissell,
Dennis Zitterkopf, Ed Wagner NBM
Patti
Sellenrick, Chair, and Ed Hoak V. Chair.
Staff: Diane White, Pam Wurst, Yulia Tsymbal
The Historical Research Committee worked on the goals and areas of interest outlined in the 2006-2007 Work Plan as well as on-going projects that have been addressed by the committee during the previous year.
1. Aussiedler Project: (Project funds - $8,783.49)
a. The Aussiedler Tape Project: In a partnership with the University of Texas, Austin and Dr. Kerstin Somerholter, Assistant Professor of European Languages at St. Edwards University, Austin, and the University of Texas, Austin, the Aussiedler tapes have been placed on-line on the University of Texas, Austin DASE website. The website address is http://www.laits.utexas.edu/germans_from_russia/. The goal of the project is to have all of the tapes transcribed and translated into English. Transcription and translation of the tapes has been an on-going process. Upon completion of the translation process, the website will be incorporated into the public access library at UT.
b. Memories of the Aussiedler The translation of 29 letters written to AHSGR by Aussiedlers about their memories is completed. The collection will be turned over to the Editorial Committee at the Fall 2007 board meeting for review and publication as a monograph.
2. Translations: One of the priorities of the committee is to identify works of historical significance to the Germans from Russia and to facilitate the translation of the books, articles, or documents so that they are available to interested historians and researchers. In addition, the committee is dedicated to identifying translators who can assist in this process, as well as funding sources such as donations or grants. Developing a list of translators, both volunteer and paid, is a very high priority task for the committee. AHSGR staff member, Yulia Tysmbal provides invaluable direction and input into this process. The committee continues to work towards their goal of identifying and initiating the translation of one book per year. Additionally, numerous smaller articles, documents, and letters will be translated as resources permit. Leona Janke is serving as committee chair for translations. Identification of projects, as well as recruiting translators has been a major focus for this past year.
a. "Die deutsche Frage im Schwarzmeergebiet und in Wolhynien:".... (The German
question in the Black Sea district and Volhynia:) by D. Neutatz.: ($8,500). Heidi
Philipsen has begun translation of the book. The translated work will be published by AHSGRb. Wind ins Gesicht by Eugen Miller: The work was translated by Lyudmila I. Koretnikova and her students: Yekaterina Zubkova, Marina Butova, and Yulia Dmitrieva (2003). The book and translation were given to Editorial Committee for further review and publishing.
3. Collections: (Collection funds - $ 513.06). A number of collections and artifacts have been acquired or received by AHSGR over the years. The goal of the committee is to assist with the planning, management, and/or display of these items.
a. Museum and Artifacts: Work on the development of the museum, and storage and management of artifacts will be an on-going process as different displays are developed. The committee worked on getting the museum organized and displayed for the public. The addition of the elevator to the second floor has greatly improved access to the museum.
b. Norka Film video project: (Norka Funds - $3,516.25): Mr. Bob Benson has been working on the film, adding additional information, and preparing it for release. The project is nearing completion and the committee anticipates that the film will be completed in the near future.
c. Die Welt Post indexing project: (Die Welt Post Funds - $950). Delbert Amen has completed formatting the index for Volume 2. AHSGR has received permission to print the second volume. The project was initiated by Gerda Walker and Volume 1 is available through her. The available funds of $950 have been designated for translation of as many of the films as possible.
d. Volga Relief Society Records: Dennis Zitterkopf and Patti Sellenrick have been working on indexing the three separate collections of the Volga Relief Society records that are located at Headquarters. When the indexing is completed, the collection will be microfilmed by the Nebraska State Historical Society along with their collection. Dennis Zitterkopf is serving as the liaison for the committee.
e. Inventory Process: The committee continues to work on the inventory process to determine what materials written in Russian, German or other foreign languages are currently in our holdings at AHSGR, Chapter libraries, and Village Coordinator materials. Additionally, the committee has been and will continue to contact universities, libraries, and other institutions in the United States, Canada, South America, and Germany to determine what we may already have access to, and what we will need to coordinate with the Archives committee for them to purchase. In addition, the inventories will provide valuable feedback regarding future translation efforts. This year, the committee identified records held in the area of Budingen, Germany and South America and the microfilming work by the Family History Library as its focus. This is a huge task and is an on-going process for the committee.
f. Volk auf dem Weg, Landsmannschaft: Establishing a working relationship and keeping informed about the work of the Landsmannschaft was a high priority for this year. Bob and Marge Benson, Patti Sellenrick, Ed Hoak, Jerry Siebert and Blair Hoffman will attend the Bundestreffen in Wiesbaden, Germany. While at the event, they will meet with members of the Board of Directors of the Landsmannschaft and other dignitaries.
g. Work with the archives in Russia in regard to what records they have and continue to support a working relationship with them. A delegation of board members will be meeting with the Saratov, Engles, Volgograd, and Samara archives to discuss continued and positive relationships.
4.
Convention
Speakers. The committee provides ideas and contacts for speakers for the Historical
Research Symposium at conventions. This will be an on-going process for future conventions.
5. Priorities addressed regarding the 2007 work plan include:
a. Continue to work on getting the Aussiedler Tapes transcribed and translated.
b. Develop translation network, identify potential volunteer translators, and seek funding for translation projects where needed. Actively recruit translators who are fluent in Russian, German, Spanish, and Portuguese.
c. Develop liaison with organizations and educational institutions in Canada, the United States, South America, and Germany.
d. Develop and prioritize list of books and documents to be translated.
e. Continue to work on the museum both on 2nd floor and the buildings on the grounds. Work with Folklore and Genealogy committees to accomplish this task.