Speaker: Joel Dhein

Thousands of Minnesotans have Slovenian roots but know very little about their heritage. The first immigrants from Slovenia, part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in South Central Europe, came to Central Minnesota in the 1860s. One local man will share his journey of finding his own Central Minnesota ancestors in Slovenia.

Joel Dhein will present “Tracing Slovenian Roots: The Andrejas Šimnič  Story” for the St. Cloud Area Genealogists in-person on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 7 p.m. at Stearns History Museum (235 33rd Ave. S., St. Cloud). The presentation will be available synchronously online and will be recorded for members of SCAG and registered guests. Dhein will share more about the life of Andrejas Šimnič  (AKA Andrew Schimnich), a Slovenian settler in northeast Stearns County about 1866, the unanswered questions about his life, and a journey to his homeland to find answers.

Joel Dhein was born and raised in St. Cloud and became interested in genealogy from the stories his grandmother told of her family. A retired city manager, Joel is a long-time member of SCAG and currently serves as treasurer. He lives in Mora with his wife and a cat.

Overview of Resources at the Gale Family Library at Minnesota History Center

Overview of resources at Gale Family Library at the Minnesota History Center presented by library staff member

The Gale Family Library is a public library specializing in Minnesota history, housing extensive collections of books, newspapers, photographs, and state archives.  It features over 500,000 published materials, including county histories, city directories, maps, and the largest collection of Minnesota newspapers (1849-present) on microfilm.

Enjoy exclusive access! The library space will be dedicated to SCAG and MCGS members only during our research event.  Spend 4 hours (12:00 – 4:00 p.m.) researching to your heart's content.

Carpooling from St. Cloud and from Little Falls will be available.  Research is from 12:00 - 4:00, but remember to allow for travel time to and from St. Paul when planning your day.

Learn how to make the most of your visit!  In preparation for your Exclusive Research Day, attend our May membership meeting where the Gale Family Library staff will present an overview of the collections, advise on pre-research techniques, and explain how to pre-order records so they are waiting for you upon your arrival.

Sign up for the event by filling out the form below.

The Upper Midwest Genealogy Institute returns to MGS 7-8 August 2026. Popularly known as UMGI—pronounced like “bungee”— it is a small, but intense, two-day institute-style program geared to experienced researchers who want to advance their skills. UMGI 2026 will focus on resources and strategies for 19th and early 20th century family history research—with an emphasis on families moving to or through the Midwest. This year’s program will blend lectures with small group student exercises that give attendees an opportunity to apply what they’ve learned. UMGI 2026 instructors include are J. H. Fonkert, CG, Jessica Fontana, and Elizabeth Williams Gomoll, CG. Registration is expected to open 15 March. Watch the March MGS newsletter and the MGS website for more information.

Hold the dates of 30-31 October on your calendar and plan to attend this year's conference at the Eagan Community Center.