The Vision
The Center for Volga German Studies supports research into and preservation of the heritage, history, traditions and accomplishments of the Volga Germans. The Center seeks knowledge and understanding of the relevance of Volga Germans yesterday, today and tomorrow. As a research center, it seeks to answer the following questions:
- What does the study of Volga German history teach us about yesterday?
- What difference does a Volga German heritage make today?
- What impact will knowledge and understanding of Volga German history make on tomorrow?
Advancing the Mission
Critical study of distinctive cultural histories and experiences can transform our understanding of society. Creative collaboration among researchers interested in the Volga Germans and their descendants will generate a deeper appreciation of how this group has contributed profoundly to history, culture, language, politics and faith all over the world.
Board of Academic Advisors
The Center for Volga German Studies at Concordia University has appointed the following individuals to serve on its Board of Academic Advisors.
- Daniel L. Boxberger, Ph.D., Professor of Anthropology, Western Washington University, Bellingham, Washington
- Brian J. Els, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of History, University of Portland, Portland, Oregon
- Gerd J. Horton, Ph.D., Professor of American History, Concordia University, Portland, Oregon
- Lori Kruckenberg, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Musicology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon
- Brent Mai, Ed.D. (candidate), University Librarian, Associate Professor of Library and Information Management, Concordia University, Portland, Oregon
- Dona Reeves-Marquardt, Ph.D., Professor of German (emerita), Texas State University, Austin, Texas
- Richard D. Scheuerman, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Curriculum and Instruction; Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, Washington
- William M. Wiest, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology (emeritus), Reed College, Portland, Oregon
- JonDavid (JD) Wyneken, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Modern European History, Grove City College, Grove City, Pennsylvania
This Board advises the Center on academic matters. Those interested in becoming part of the CVGS Board of Academic Advisors are encouraged to contact Brent Mai, CVGS Director.
Functions of the Center
The CVGS accomplishes its stated purposes through five complimentary and inter-related components:
Collections
The CVGS actively collects the folklore, songs, literature, objects of art and craft which illustrate and document the style and mode of life, conditions, events and activities, forms and style of worship and government of the Volga Germans while living in Russia as well as after emigrating to the Western hemisphere and the cultural, material, and aesthetic contributions of Germans from Russia or their descendants to the culture and social order of the Western Hemisphere. These materials are acquired by bequest, purchase, gift, or accepted on loan and are included, but are not limited to:
- Current and historical reference materials
- Books by and about Volga-German authors, researchers, and scholars
- Objects of art, science, industry, and skill
- Papers and manuscripts
- Journals
- Tapes and DVDs (audio and video)
- Photographs
- Microforms
The Center preserves and exhibits these collections as far as it is practicable. The Center operates and maintains a central archive of these materials. The Collections of the CVGS are open to the public, but do not circulate.
Publishing
Research material is available to the public. CVGS publishes papers, pamphlets, books and articles, in print or by other means of dissemination. Much of the original documentation on the Volga Germans is in German or Russian. Making these resources available to English-language speakers is one role of the CVGS. Publications do not go to print until the funding for all costs associated with the publishing process have been received.
Clearinghouse Services
The Center maintains a web-based clearing house for identifying the location of original manuscripts related to the Volga Germans. Researchers, scholars, and others knowledgeable about such materials are actively solicited for contributions to this clearing house.
Education
The CVGS sponsors conferences on various aspects of Volga German history, folklore, linguistics, and culture in order to educate those interested about the Volga Germans. These events take place on the Concordia campus or elsewhere depending upon the availability of appropriate space(s). At least one undergraduate course has been developed and will be taught on an ad hoc basis as an elective through the history department of the College of Theology, Arts, and Sciences. As appropriate, the CVGS seeks co-sponsors for these conferences.
Collaboration
It is known that unique collections of materials relating to the Volga Germans exist elsewhere, particularly in governmental and quasi-governmental facilities out side of North America. Consequently, one of the important roles of the Center is to actively seek assistance from and provide assistance to other organizations in the collection, documentation, indexing, and preservation of such materials pertaining to Volga Germans.
While much of the research done on Volga Germans requires a working knowledge of German and/or Russian, the primary language of the CVGS is English.
Location
Center for Volga German Studies
Concordia University Library
2811 NE Holman Street
Portland, OR 97211
telephone: 503.280.8507
fax: 503.280.8697