From 1923-1930, 21,000 Russlaender arrived in Canada. Ontario Mennonites received and billeted 1,340 of these immigrants in 1924. Many stayed in Ontario, moving between different communities, but others headed to western Canada. By 1927-1928, many who had gone west returned to Ontario. Meanwhile, still others were arriving from the Soviet Union, though this flow slowed significantly by the end of 1927. By 1939, 1,253 Russlaender families were counted in Ontario.

Events

June 15, 2024: Niagara Russlaender Centenary Tour (an MHSO event)

August 25, 2024: Saengerfest: A Centenary Mennonite Song Festival (an MHSO event in partnership with the Institue of Anabaptist and Mennonite Studies)

Exhibits

On now until April 2026: What They Carried: The Archives of Russlaender Mennonite Immigrants (Mennonite Archives of Ontario)

Ongoing digital exhibit: Russlaender Immigrants to Ontario: Sources & Stories (Mennonite Archives of Ontario)

Self-guided Tour

Places and Spaces of Russlaender Immigrants in Kitchener and Waterloo