Program to cover meaning of being ‘German’

NEW ULM — Many Minnesotans have German ancestors from domains of the Austrian Empire, and many have a branch of the family tree from Bohemia, an ancient kingdom whose lands today make up the Czech Republic.

Attend this entertaining free slide show during the German-Bohemian Heritage Society’s Open House on Saturday, February 8,, 10:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. The presentation is at 1 p.m. at the GBHS – Research Center and Library, 210 N. Minnesota St. New Ulm, MN 56073.

(The Research Center is on the 2nd and 3rd floors and the presentation at 1pm is on the 1st floor.) The entrance in the rear of the building has access to an elevator. Join others for fun conversation, “Gemutlichkeit.” Perhaps learn something about your ancestors. Do some family research. Enjoy treats and refreshments.

At 1 p.m., Wade Olsen, GBHS president, will present a free slideshow. Learn what it means to have German ancestors from somewhere other than Germany. This will cover snapshots of Bohemian history as part of the Austrian Empire and its relation with Germany today through recent travels through the homeland.

It will discuss a few details of the end of World War II and the American liberation of Czechoslovakia.

It will review village life as seen through 2019 Heritage Tour experiences in homeland showing many photos of what is seen there today. Olsen will compare the sites of today with historical cadastral (land ownership) maps. You will learn how to add to your family research with cadastral and land record research.

Olsen has a passion about central European history. Since 2012, he has been leading tours to Germany, the Czech Republic and Austria. Olsen breaks the history down into an entertaining conversation covering a thousand years of history in an easy timeline including maps and photos from around the region today. Walking in the lands of your ancestors enables one feel more connected with ancestral roots and to gain a better understanding of the European story.

For more information on the Open House please contact Pat Eckstein at (507)317-7089