This fall, the D. F. Plett Historical Research Foundation celebrates its twentieth anniversary. For two decades, the foundation has been one of the primary sources of funding for history projects related to the descendants and antecedents of the Mennonites who migrated to Manitoba in the 1870s. From top scholars to community historians, from international conferences to local events, from documentaries to museum exhibits, the foundation has funded over two hundred projects. In addition, the foundation’s ongoing financial support of the Centre for Transnational Mennonite Studies at the University of Winnipeg, and the Mennonite Heritage Archives in Winnipeg, has created a firm foundation for the continued study of Mennonite history.

This achievement is only possible because of the vision of one man, Delbert F. Plett. In November 2004, Delbert passed away from cancer, leaving his estate to the foundation. In his lifetime, Delbert was passionately committed to writing and publishing Mennonite history, and he made a treasure trove of memoirs, letters, diaries, and other sources widely available. He was known throughout the Mennonite diaspora for his thought-provoking (at times controversial) interpretations of history, which he circulated on the pages of Preservings. . . .