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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.

Upcoming Events

Recent Posts

  • Oscar Haas, the Battleship Texas and the “Spirit of the Spanish-American War”

    Oscar Haas, the Battleship Texas and the “Spirit of the Spanish-American War”

    By Keva Hoffmann Boardman — How great is this photo of New Braunfels boys! The image was copied for Oscar Haas by Mr. Seidel in 1960, but it dates way back to March 17, 1900. …Read more >
  • Historic market of New Braunfels

    Historic market of New Braunfels

    By Tara V. Kohlenberg — In this day and age, most everyone has heard of “planned communities.” They are essentially little towns (or subdivisions) that are perfectly engineered to have just the right ratio of …Read more >
  • Isabel’s essay

    Isabel’s essay

    By Keva Hoffmann Boardman — Isabel Ludwig was a memorable woman. Born in New Braunfels on February 28, 1912, this leap-year girl graduated from New Braunfels High School in 1929. She attended Southwest Texas State …Read more >
  • Haelbig made lasting music impression

    Haelbig made lasting music impression

    By Myra Lee Adams Goff — An outstanding early citizen of New Braunfels and one who contributed much to the culture of the community was a man named Stefan Haelbig. Haelbig organized many of the …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.

Sophienburg Podcast

Logo for NB Reflects, the Sophienburg PodcastNB Reflects

Each episode of NB Reflects is a sample of a Reflections recording. Reflections is a vast collection of oral histories recorded and stored at the Sophienburg Museum and Archives in New Braunfels, Texas.   EPISODES

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

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 ...

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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