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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.

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 ...

Humanities Texas Grant

 

Humanities Texas

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


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

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

  • The keepers of Texas history

    The keepers of Texas history

    The Daughters of the Republic of Texas: One and Indivisible By Tara V. Kohlenberg — There is nothing more beautiful to a Texan than the Lone Star Flag flying against a brilliant azure blue sky. …Read more >
  • History of the Moeller House

    History of the Moeller House

    By Tara V. Kohlenberg — New Braunfels historians have told us that the first immigrants arrived with very little in the way of belongings. And, unlike today’s new arrivals in New Braunfels, our founding ancestors …Read more >
  • Movie memories

    Movie memories

    By Keva Hoffmann Boardman — We go see the latest movie and think nothing about it. It is an easy and common thing to do. I don’t even remember the first film I saw, though …Read more >
  • Rancho Comal at Spring Branch

    Rancho Comal at Spring Branch

    By Keva Hoffmann Boardman — A Princely Estate — We learn that Maj Leland of New York, has settled among us, having purchased the Comal Ranch of Col. Sparks, fronting the Guadalupe River 9 miles, …Read more >

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)


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 …


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