Welcome!

Thank you for your interest in the Oregon Chapter of The American Historical Society of Germans from Russia (AHSGR). Our organization is a resource for learning about the rich history and heritage of this ethnic group.

​Migrating primarily from the German speaking areas of Western Europe beginning in the 1760's, these colonists settled in many parts of the Russian Empire where they built stable communities, established farms, churches, schools and businesses in their new homeland.
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In the late 19th century, many of these ethnic Germans looked to the Americas to find new opportunities, escape political repression and preserve their way of life. By the early 1880's these pioneers were moving west and many made their new homes in the Pacific Northwest. The Germans from Russia became an integral part of the diverse fabric of Oregon and Southwest Washington.​

We hope that you will join us to explore the culture, history and heritage of the Germans from Russia and become active in its preservation.​
Read our July/August 2018 Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Sunday, October 21st at 2 p.m
Concordia University - Luther Hall, Room 121 (see map below)

The next chapter meeting will be held on October 21st in Luther Hall, room 121 (the room we use for larger audiences).
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This month, we are pleased to announce a special guest who will talk about local entrepreneur (with German origins), Fred Meyer.
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Fred Leeson was a newspaper reporter for nearly 40 years for the Oregon Journal and Oregonian in Portland.  His journalistic assignments included local governments, courts, business news and Portland neighborhood issues.  He reported on the sale of Fred Meyer Inc. after Meyer’s death and multiple lawsuits that followed it.  After retiring from the newspaper, he learned of a trove of Meyer-related transcripts and memorabilia that had been kept at the Oregon Historical Society.  This prompted his research for his book, “My-Te Fine Merchant; Fred Meyer’s Retail Revolution.”

Fred G. Meyer is one of Oregon’s greatest entrepreneurs and a national leader in the “one-stop-shopping” phenomenon that merged full-line grocery stores with clothes, shoes, hardware, sporting goods, small appliances and many other retail categories.  With no more than a grade-school education, Meyer built a multi-state retail empire during a career that spanned nearly 70 years in Portland.  Though well-known from his pleasant appearances at store openings, Meyer was an aggressive, relentless retail genius who never spoke of his ethnic history, early business failures, obscure religious beliefs or his family difficulties.  Our presentation will peel back the layers of this brilliant and multi-dimensional personality.
Last updated September 14, 2018.