HAYS, Kan. (KSNW) -- A group of descendants of an ethnic group that settled across Kansas in its early years as a state is making preparations to celebrate the 150th anniversary of their first arrival.

In 1876, the first groups of Volga Germans arrived in Kansas from Russia. Ellis County became a hub for immigrants, who, while referred to as Volga Germans, were a diverse community of European immigrants that settled in the Volga region and assimilated into the German community that had also settled there.

Next year, 2026, will mark the 150th year of their arrival. The Volga German Sesquicentennial Action Committee is asking those who descend from the Volga German community to help celebrate and preserve that heritage.

They are seeking historical photographs, documents, and personal stor

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