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Open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Archives open for research by appointment only, 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Phone 830-629-1572.

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Recent Posts

  • New Braunfels has seen several daring jailbreaks

    New Braunfels has seen several daring jailbreaks

    By Keva Hoffmann Boardman — I recently found a note in Oscar Haas’s archive collection, “Zeitung, Thursday, July 6, 1899. Use story some time concerning a jailbreak.” He never published the story. I felt like …Read more >
  • History of the fountain in Main Plaza

    History of the fountain in Main Plaza

    By Tara V. Kohlenberg — The world is full of magnificent works of art and sculpture, some of which are centuries old. New Braunfels is even home to one, featuring a female figure and gargoyles. …Read more >
  • Cotton gins in Comal County

    Cotton gins in Comal County

    By Keva Hoffmann Boardman — Who invented the cotton gin? Many of you learned the answer to this question in elementary school. If you said “Eli Whitney” you are correct, but like me, back then …Read more >
  • E.A. Grist: Watching over New Braunfels

    E.A. Grist: Watching over New Braunfels

    By Tara V. Kohlenberg — Have you ever heard of the song “Someone To Watch Over Me”? It was written by George and Ira Gershwin in 1926. I am, in fact, a fan of jazz …Read more >

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

Texas Travel Awards 2022 - Big Market - Sophienburg Museum and Archives (New Braunfels)

Big Market — Sophienburg Museum and Archives (New Braunfels)
More winners ...

The Texas Wildflower

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 …

Weihnachtsmarkt 2023

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

Talking Texas History

Talking Texas History PodcastThe 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)

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