Exhibit, presentation to explore German immigration to Ohio River Valley

A unique exhibit that provides a historical look at German immigration to the Ohio River Valley will be on display in Hanover College’s Duggan Library Jan. 20-Feb. 3.

In conjunction with the American Association of Teachers of German, “First Encounters: Menschen begegnen sich” (people meet each other) explores the history of migration and its effects in shaping the German-American transatlantic friendship. The exhibit, presented in English and German, delves into topics such as the first encounters between German immigrants and local populations, adaptation to their new environment and contributions to existing communities.

Hanover will celebrate the opening of “First Encounters: Menschen begegnen sich” with a special presentation by Ryan Ruder ’22, who will share information from his thesis on German-American immigration to the region. Ruder’s address will be held at 4 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 20, in the Duggan Library. The event is open to the public, free of charge.

In addition to the American Association of Teachers of German, “First Encounters: Menschen begegnen sich” is co-sponsored by the Hanover Department of Modern Languages and Cultures, Duggan Library and the College’s Class of 1955.