The Kenneth L. Schmitt Collection consists of nine issues of Kirchenblatt from 1941 and 1942, two photographs relating to Johann Schmitt, information on the Schmitt family written from 2007 to 2009, an auction poster from 1929, and two poems in the German language. The collection is divided into four series: Kirchenblatt, Photograph, Schmitt Family, and Subject.

The Kirchenblatt Series is the largest in the collection. It contains nine issues of Kirchenblatt, published by the American Lutheran Church in Columbus, Ohio. The nine issues date from October 1941 to February 1942, and they are entirely in the German language.

The Photograph Series is comprised of two images relating to Johann Schmitt (or Schmidt). The first image (2012.16.01) is a photograph on canvas of soldier holding a horn. An email received from the donor identifies the man as Johann Schmitt who served in the Russian Army as a musician. The second image (2012.16.02) is a photocopy of a farmstead with family group. There are buildings in the background with steam traction engine and separator and crew in front of them. A man holds a horse at the left. Two women and two children at the right; two boys with dogs are nearest the camera. Inscribed on back, “The photo is of the Johann Schmitt [farmstead] located 3 miles west of Long Lake, SD. All in the photo are from the Schmitt family except for a few members of the threshing machine, commonly known as a separator.”

The Schmitt Family Series has two writings by Kenneth Schmidt and a translated obituary of Johann Schmitt. The first item is a typed manuscript by Kenneth Schmidt called “Memories of Long Lake.” The manuscript dates to September 22, 2009 and includes reflections on Schmidt’s life and his father. The second item is a typescript of a German letter with English translation with explanation, dated January 19, 2008. The third item is a typed translation of an obituary for Johann Schmitt, who was born January 19, 1869 in Bergdorf Colony, South Russia and died April 11, 1927. The obituary was printed in Staats Anzeiger and written by Friedrich Obenauer. It was translated by Donald Schmitt and later by Pastor Norman Greve, Salem Lutheran Church. Eagle Lake, MN. The obituary is dated November 27, 2007 by Kenneth Schmitt.

The Subject Series consists of a photocopied auction poster, a photocopied newspaper clipping, and a typed poem. The photocopied auction poster is for the Victor Colberg Estate, located 10 miles south of Ashley, ND. The poster is in English and German. The auction was held on Tuesday, February 19, 1929. The photocopied newspaper clipping is from the Northwest Blade, Eureka, South Dakota. The clipping is titled “Happy New Year” and includes a short poem in the German language. The clipping is dated December 28, 1918. The poem is a typescript in the German language wishing peace and good health to the farmer. The source of the poem is unknown.