At the end of an unprecedented odyssey, German refugees from the historic region of Volhynia—in what is now western Ukraine—found themselves in Mecklenburg by the end of World War II. Benefiting from land reform, they began settling the former Linstow estate in 1945 and continue to shape the character of the village to this day.

As part of the ‘Family Research’ regulars’ get-together, Lothar Fetzer will give a talk on Wednesday, 20 May 2026 at 4.30 pm about his research into his ancestors’ history. He will share insights into how he went about his research, what resources he used, and what previously unknown family connections he has discovered in Germany and the USA.

Have you ever heard about Volhynia? Delve into the history of this little-known region and its inhabitants in what is now northwestern Ukraine. Two world wars and the resulting displacements put an end to the peaceful coexistence of people from different nations.

Drawing on the complex history of migration among the Volhynian Germans, the program offers educational activities for children, teenagers, and adults.