Description
German-Bohemian Heritage Society’s Spring Event is at New Ulm
Country Club, 1 Golf Drive
Open to the public
Friday, May 15, 2026
Origin Story of Fort Road/West Seventh Street, the Township/City of Saint Paul, the Territory/State of Minnesota
By Joseph Frank Landsberger
Step into a sweeping, story-rich journey across time as historian Joe Landsberger brings the origins of Minnesota vividly to life. From the ancient presence of the Dakota people to the surge of immigrant communities that shaped the region, this engaging presentation traces the forces, personalities, and landscapes that forged the state we know today. Centered on the dynamic beginnings of Saint Paul—especially the storied West Seventh neighborhood—this “Origin Story” unfolds through compelling vignettes spanning glaciers, prairies, and riverways like the Mississippi River, Minnesota River, and Red River of the North.
Richly illustrated and deeply researched, Landsberger’s work blends scholarship with storytelling, drawing from thousands of images and extensive historical sources to paint a vibrant portrait of Minnesota’s evolution. Whether you’re passionate about local history, genealogy, or the broader immigrant experience, this presentation offers a fascinating and accessible window into the people and events that shaped Minnesota—and continue to echo in its communities today. All Joe Landsberger’s aunts and uncles were raised on farms of our state. The four quadrants of his genealogy are Bohemian, Bavarian, Luxembourgish, and Swedish; immigration stretches back to the 1840s. As a life-long educator and historian, his current program is based on the “Origin Story” in 17 reference collections with over 20 book-talks and a current seven-Friday course on the history. He’s lived on Saint Paul’s West Side for his first thirty years, and the West End for fifty where he’s rebuilt two homes, Victorian and Asian styles. His travels, bio and CV are at http://www.josfland.com.
New Ulm Country Club
5:30 pm – Social Hour; 6:30 pm – Smoked Brisket Dinner; 7:30 pm – Guest Speaker
Cost: $35 per person. Registrations must be received by May 1st.
Note: Cost will be $40 per person after May 1st.
Questions? Call 507 217-7239 or email jieckstein@comcast.net
Register online at https://germanbohemianheritagesociety.com
Or register by mail: Send a check by May 1 for $35 for each person, or $40 per person if after
May 1, along with their names to:
GBHS, PO Box 822, New Ulm, MN 56073
