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Archive Exhibit: Germans from Russia

Archives and Special Collections
2nd floor, Morgan Library
Free and open to the public. Exhibit runs through September 11, 2009.

Volga Russians settle in Colorado

Germans from RussiaOn  July 22, 1763, Catherine the Great of Russia issued a proclamation of open immigration for foreigners.  Catherine promised freedom of religion, exemption from military service, a 30-year tax exemption, and other incentives.  As a result, 27,000 Germans initially settled along the Volga River.  They remained there until the late 1800’s when the Tsar’s oppressive regime targeted  them. 

Many Volga Russians then immigrated to America and settled in Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska.  An exhibit of photographs from Russia and the United States is currently on display at the Archives and Special Collections Department, 2nd floor, Morgan Library.