Golden Wheat Chapter History

The Golden Wheat Chapter was organized in 1978 to help us discover our heritage and to pay tribute to our German-Russian ancestors. It was the second local chapter organized in Kansas. There are now three active chapters in the state.

The name Golden Wheat was chosen because the Germans from Russia were largely farmers. Their wheat helped to make Kansas a great state. Turkey Red Hard Winter Wheat, introduced over 120 years ago into South Central Kansas by Mennonite pioneers, produced abundantly on the Great Plains. It gradually turned the “Great American Desert” into the Nation’s “bread basket”.

Activities attempt to provide a balance between social and historical research and inspirational activities. The general meetings provide speakers, slide presentations, musical programs, historical documentaries or reports on travel in Russia by our members. Many of our Golden Wheat Chapter members have published family histories and other books.

The chapter has a diverse membership with many religious groups and vocational areas represented. We work on a variety of fund raising activities to continue our support of AHSGR national headquarters and assist in the preservation of our heritage.

2022 Golden Wheat Chapter Membership Form:

There are no Golden Wheat chapter membership dues during 2022. Persons who wish to become a member of the chapter or need to update their chapter records are asked to complete and mail the following form. Gifts or contributions are always welcome but are not necessary. Not required, but make any donation check to “Golden Wheat Chapter of AHSGR.”

2022 MEMBERSHIP FORM

Golden Wheat Chapter Calendar of Events

General membership meetings are held four times a year. The January/February, April/May, August Family Picnic, and October Chapter meetings are held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 909 South Market in Wichita. A potluck dinner precedes the meetings and program. Registration begins at 1 p.m. Convention reports are given during the picnic meeting.

The annual Christmas Party is a festive event for families and friends and is also held at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Finger food, cookies and punch are plentiful during the social hour beginning at 2 p.m. Special music is provided and the members also sing Christmas Carols. Santa Claus makes his visit with gifts for the children. The chapter should be advised in advance of the names and ages of the children (up to and including 12 years old) attending so Santa will be prepared to greet them.

Contact the President for times of the events below.

2024 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

February 4: Folklore and Ethnic Heritage: Dr. Brent Mai, “A Day in the Life of a Volga German”

April 7: Genealogy: Kris Schmucker, “Ideas of Home: Researching and Understanding Architectural History in the Neighborhood”

August 4: Picnic

October 6: General Meeting and Election of Officers

December 8: Christmas Party

All meetings start at 1PM at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 909 S. Market Str., Wichita, Kans., with lunch. Guests and visitors are welcome.

Golden Wheat Chapter Library and Genealogy

Our library contains many books, AHSGR Journals, Clues, and other resource material. Chapter members are invited to browse through the material and are able to check out books for their research projects. The Library is open on meeting days and the second Friday of every month. Members and non-members may make appointments to use the library at other times. A genealogy workshop is held yearly to assist our members in their areas of research. Golden Wheat Chapter members are always willing to answer questions and offer suggestions on research projects throughout the year.


Officers

President
Steve Fast
Send Email

Past President
Karen Penner

Treasurer
Vail Fruechting

Assistant Treasurer
Karen Calkins

Membership
Karen Calkins

Assistant Membership
Sheryl Pohlenz

Hospitality & Setup
Dolly Seibel

Newsletter
Anna Uhlig

Corresponding Secretary
Irene Major

Registration
Joyce Taylor

Photography
Irene Major

Share This