To highlight local Germans from Russia history, the Sutton Historical Society and the Henderson Mennonite Heritage Park will be co-sponsoring an event by Nebraska author, Carolyn Zeisset. She will be presenting an “author talk” at the Henderson Mennonite Heritage Park beginning at 3:00 pm on Saturday, June 25. Her newly published book Then the Rules Changed begins in Southern Russia, which is Southern Ukraine today. Who would have thought that just after this book’s release, the Ukraine would make headlines around the world?
The story is about a Mennonite boy whose family joins thousands of immigrants to the American Great Plains in the 1870s when the Czar of Russia mandated that autonomous German-speaking people in South Russia (Ukraine) become Russian. Descendants of these immigrants are known today as Germans from Russia.
Then the Rules Changed is written for middle schoolers, but is also being read by parents and grandparents who remember immigration stories they have heard. This book creates the opportunity for conversations about their own family histories. Learn more about the author and book at https://carolynzeisset.com
Zeisset’s “author talk” will include background of the story, the emigration-immigration experience, and connections between historical context and current events. Please feel welcome to come to the Henderson Heritage Park at 3:00 pm, Saturday, June 25. This event is free and open to the public. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
For more information about the presentation, contact Henderson Heritage Park at csratz@mainstaycomm.net or the Sutton Historical Society at suttonnehistory@gmail.com
