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Open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
(Archives open for research by appointment only, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 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/ 

Recent Posts

  • One heck of a House story

    One heck of a House story

    By Tara V. Kohlenberg — Okay, time for another House story. This House is not a stately manor made of brick, (or straw or wood, nor is it coveted by a wolf). This House is …Read more >
  • Postmarks tell interesting history

    Postmarks tell interesting history

    By Myra Lee Adams Goff — A young German count, Arnold-Henkel von Donnersmark, came to the New Braunfels settlement in 1845 with Prince Carl. He built a large frame building where he lived and conducted …Read more >
  • History is everywhere

    History is everywhere

    By Keva Hoffmann Boardman — This past March I was in Macedonia, Greece with my eldest daughter. No matter where we walked the ground was literally littered with history — bits of marble, colored tesserae …Read more >
  • The Beckers of New Braunfels

    The Beckers of New Braunfels

    By Tara V. Kohlenberg — I blink my eyes and the town is growing, changing, faster than ever before. That is why I’m drawn to write about the houses and downtown buildings that were old …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.

Thanks to all!

Another Weihnachtsmarkt is in the books!

Thanks to all the shoppers, merchants, volunteers, and staff for making it happen.

Special thanks to all the Weihnachtsmarkt Sponsors.

The Sophienburg's mission depends on all of you.

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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