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Archives open for research by appointment only, 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Phone 830-629-1572.
Welcome to the Sophienburg Museum and Archives.
Take the journey with Prince Carl and his group of German colonists as they cross the ocean and make their way into central Texas. Admire their courage and determination to establish a new colony at the edge of Indian Territory. Exhibits, rich in local artifacts, photographic images, maps and documents, take visitors through the history and cultural heritage of New Braunfels and Comal County. The Sophienburg Museum offers public lectures, school programs and community events that promote the area’s unique history.
2022 Texas Travel Award Winner
Big Market — Sophienburg Museum and Archives (New Braunfels)
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Humanities Texas Grant
Thank you, Humanities Texas, for supporting the Sophienburg Museum and Archives through the 2021 Relief Grant Program.
This relief grant was made possible with funding from the National endowment for the Humanities, received as part of the American Rescue Plan and signed into law on March 11, 2021.
Since 1845
Our beautiful New Braunfels, the only Texas city founded by German royalty, is celebrating its 175-year history of cultural heritage, hard work, and gemuetlichkeit (the good life). (175th Celebration at the Sophienburg) For more information about the celebration events and how to become involved, follow this link: https://since1845.com/
Weihnachtsmarkt 2023

Weihnachtsmarkt 2023
Thank you to all of the volunteers, vendors, and shoppers who helped to make Weihnachtsmarkt 2023 amazing! We'll see you next year for another amazing market.
Weihnachtsmarkt Sponsors
Recent Posts
Doeppenschmidt Funeral Home from 1923 to the present in the same family
By Myra Lee Adams Goff — It’s the same business, in the same place, run by the same family for 100 years. That’s Doeppenschmidt Funeral Home, now involving the fourth generation. And it doesn’t look …Read more >True Crime Series: Local farmer and son murdered in Austin
By Keva Hoffmann Boardman — It was very early in the morning, still dark, but they had far to go. As Conrad gave a final tug on the ropes securing the six bales of cotton …Read more >The story of Ma’s Cafe
By Tara V. Kohlenberg — I often think about living in New Braunfels and how fortunate we are to have wonderful century-old buildings everywhere. I don’t necessarily think about that when I am trying to …Read more >Sophienburg — guardians of history for 90 years
Tara V. Kohlenberg — Ninety years ago, on October 8, 1933, New Braunfels celebrated the grand opening and dedication of the new Sophienburg Memorial Museum and Library, erected in honor of those pioneers who founded …Read more >
Talking Texas History
The Talking Texas History podcast explores Texas history before and beyond the Alamo. In this episode, hosts by Scott Sosebee and Gene Preuss discuss Texas German history and Christmas traditions with Tara V. Kohlenberg, director of the Sophienburg Museum and Archives. Go to the podcast page.
It's About Time
125th Anniversary Time Capsule Items
Items from the 125th Anniversary Time Capsule are available for pickup. Items will only be released to the addressee. ID and signatures are required. Unclaimed Time Capsule Contents (PDF)
What others are saying about the Sophienburg:
"This remarkable museum showcases German immigration in the Hill Country region through a world-class permanent exhibition." More …