Karen Auman
Assistant professor of history and certified genealogist who researches Germans in the colonial Atlantic world, migrations, religion, and families; author of The Good Forest about the Salzburgers in Georgia.
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Nov 20, 2025 • 50min
Karen Auman, "The Good Forest: The Salzburgers, Success, and the Plan for Georgia" (U Georgia Press, 2024)
Karen Auman, an assistant professor at BYU and genealogist, discusses her book, The Good Forest. She delves into the Salzburgers' unique journey as Georgia's early settlers who succeeded in forming a cohesive community against the odds. Auman reveals how their exile instilled a strong sense of identity and adherence to the trustees’ vision. The conversation explores the challenges posed by Georgia's environment and the Salzburgers' innovative economic efforts in cattle, lumber, and silk production, while also addressing the tragic decline of their settlement.
Nov 20, 2025 • 50min
Karen Auman, "The Good Forest: The Salzburgers, Success, and the Plan for Georgia" (U Georgia Press, 2024)
Dr. Karen Auman, an assistant professor and genealogist, dives into the fascinating history of the Salzburgers, early settlers in Georgia. She illuminates how their success challenges the narrative that only slavery could sustain Georgia’s economy. Auman highlights the Salzburgers' unique community bonds forged through exile and shared religious beliefs, their adaptations to local environments, and the moral complexities underlying their economic endeavors. This discussion not only reframes Georgia's colonial history but also explores themes of philanthropy and community resilience.
