Berg attends international symposium
PLATTEVILLE - John Leonard Berg, coordinator of public services for the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Karrmann Library, recently presented a paper at the 29th Annual Symposium of the Society of German-American Studies. The international symposium was hosted at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Mich.
Berg was one of 50 scholars who presented research on the history, culture, folklore, genealogy, language, literature and creative arts of the German element in North America. Berg's research was the result of a UW-Platteville 2004 Scholarly Activity Improvement Fund award and focused on early German immigration into the Minnesota River Valley during the 1850s.
The presentation considered the influence of 19th century German Catholic immigrants on the cultural and economic developments within the Minnesota River valley town of New Ulm, Minn. The study follows the buggy tracks of one representative German pioneer family. Enduring natural disasters and political prejudices, this family ultimately conquered, domesticated and cultivated a new society.
The purpose of Berg's work is not only to explore a few additional branches on a family tree but to experience the ethnic and historical context of German pioneer heritage. "My goal was to chronicle and transmit this proud and controversial story accompanied by the personal adventure of one immigrant family," he said.
The Society of German-American Studies was established in 1968 as an international professional organization of individuals and institutions interested in the field of German-American studies. Specifically, the society seeks to improve cross-cultural relations between German-speaking countries and North America, works to foster contacts between researchers and encourages the production of educational and research materials. Annual meetings have most recently been held in Bremerhaven, Germany; Amana, Iowa; and New Ulm, Minn.
Contact: John Berg, coordinator of public services, Karrmann Library, (608) 342-1355,bergjo@uwplatt.edu Formatted By: Evelyn Martens, UW-Platteville Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, martense@uwplatt.edu
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