Renowned historical fiction author Mark Sullivan will be the keynote speaker at the 53rd Annual American Historical Society of Germans from Russia (AHSGR) Convention in Greeley, Colorado, which takes place from August 3-5, 2023. The convention will explore the theme “Roots of Our Heritage” and will bring together descendants and researchers of Germans from Russia, who will attend talks and presentations on topics such as German-Russian history, family history research, and storytelling.
The keynote speaker will discuss “Historical Fiction Books and Why I Feel Compelled to Write Them.”
He is the author of the #1 bestseller, Beneath a Scarlet Sky, and his book, The Last Green Valley, tells the story
of Emil and Adeline Martel, ethnic Germans living in the area of Ukraine at the time of WWII. AHSGR President Karen Soeken said, “Having just finished reading Mark Sullivan’s book, I’m excited about hearing his keynote address. Of course, I always learn something new from the presentations and this year is no exception. I know I’ll learn more about how the colonists arrived and lived in Russia, and how the history and culture of Germans from Russia are being preserved today in Germany.”
In addition to Sullivan, other speakers include Olga Litzenberger of the Bavarian German Russian Cultural Center and Dr. Reinhard Nachtigal. The event will also feature tours of Greeley and a variety of cultural and entertainment activities. The convention provides attendees with the opportunity to learn more about their genealogical family history, and the AHSGR research library will be moved to the hotel for the convenience of attendees.
