Traveling Resource Trunks

Volga German Immigrants in Kansas

Grades 4 - 6

Ideas for using this trunk with other grades and with youth groups.

Follow a family’s journey from Germany to Russia to Kansas. Read an immigrant’s journal. Explore traditions. Through the experiences of Volga German immigrants students learn about immigration. Historical information, replica artifacts, music, historic photographs, and student activities tell the story of settlement in Ellis County.

Trunk Specifications

Weight: 45 lbs.
Dimensions: 31" x 22" x 16"
Insure for $500 when shipping

Kansas Standards Curricular Connections

Manual Contents

The manual in this trunk contains fourteen sections covering various aspects of the Volga German experience. Each section includes written information that may be studied and shared. Activity ideas for each section are included.

Volga German Immigrants in Kansas

Activity Idea Packets (PDF):

1. The Family Tree of the Karlin Family

2. The History of the Volga Germans and Why they Left Russia

3. The Trip to America

4. The Settlement

5. Religious Conduct and Christmas Customs

6. Volga German Wedding Customs

7. Volga German Houses

8. A Village Way of Life

9. Volga German Clothing

10. Volga German Foods

11. Children's Games, Rhymes, and Tongue Twisters

12. Superstitions, Folk Medicines and Children's Folklore

13. Songs, Dances and Lullabies

14. The German American Advocate: A Hays City, Kansas Newspaper

Contents of Trunk

Notes about using Traveling Resource Trunks:

• Traveling resource trunks are loaned out within the state of Kansas. They are available for four weeks on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no charge except for shipping. Borrowers who do not pick up their trunks are responsible for round trip shipping costs. Reservations should be made two weeks in advance.
• Please inventory trunks when you receive them and before you return them. An inventory sheet is provided in all trunks for your use. Return trunks in the same condition that you received them.
• Objects and materials in the trunks are to be used as the instructor sees fit; however, please keep in mind that many students will be using the trunk after you this year and in the years to come. Use is encouraged; overuse, damage, and mutilation are not.
• The materials included in this trunk may be reproduced for educational purposes only and must credit the Kansas Historical Society. Reproductions of these materials for any other purpose is prohibited without written permission from the Kansas Historical Society.
• To assure that trunks you use will reach their next destination in time we ask that trunks be returned by their scheduled return date. Allow at least two days shipping time. If you have any questions or concerns contact the Education and Outreach Division of the Kansas Historical Society, 6425 SW Sixth Avenue, Topeka, KS 66615-1099; 785-272-8681, ext. 251, Fax 785-272-8682; or education@kshs.org.

Looking for other programs or activities?

The Kansas Historical Society has a variety of programs available for your use including other traveling resource trunks; traveling exhibits; guided tours of state historic sites, the state Capitol, and the Kansas Museum of History; and online resources. For more information on these contact the Education and Outreach Division at 6425 SW Sixth Avenue, Topeka, KS 66615-1099; 785-272-8681, ext. 414, Fax 785-272-8682; or education@kshs.org.

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