Alma Forst grew up in the New Ulm area attending a one-room district school in Sigel Township, Brown County. She graduated from Cathedral High School in New Ulm, the College of Medical Technology in Minneapolis. She also spent nine winter semesters at Mankato State University taking many history classes, among other subjects.

In 1961 Alma married her high school sweetheart, Jerome Forst, and together raised four children – Susie, Tom, Jim, and Anita. Her family includes eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Jerome and Alma farmed in the St. George area for 55 years. Jerome passed in 2016, and their son Jim now runs the farm operation. Alma has always been a “history buff,” recently returning from an extended tour of historical sites in Washington, DC, and the surrounding states, mainly focusing on the Civil War. She previously served for two terms on the NCHS Board and firmly believes in preserving and sharing history for future generations.