Education
Group Tours
Group tours enjoy the added insight of a docent-led tour, however, the exhibits are clearly labeled and suitable for a self-guided experience. Group tours for 15 or more people can be arranged by calling 830.629.1572 or emailing programs@sophienburg.com. If your group is over 25 people, it may be divided for a better experience. Allow at least 45 minutes for a guided tour. Reservations are required.
Admission Fees:
15-25 persons: $10.00 per person
Over 25 persons: $9.00 per person
School Group Tours
The Sophienburg Museum & Archives offers docent-led tours to schoolchildren from Pre-K through High School. The tour concentrates on the German immigration movement to Texas and early life in the New Braunfels area. Students experience an immigrant ship, 1880’s fachwerk cabin, c.1900 city street with 13 businesses, and exibits on water, farming, ranching, and social customs. Videos on immigration, education, and social customs may be incorporated into the tour.
Groups larger than 25 may be divided. One adult per 20 children is suggested.
Allow at least 45 minutes for tour. Reservations are required. If you wish to book a school group, please contact the museum at 830-629-1572 or email programs@sophienburg.com.
Admission Fees for School Group Tours:
Pre-K-6th grades: $3.00 per student; 2 adults are FREE; extra adults pay $10.00
7th-12th grades: $5.00 per student; 2 adults are FREE; extra adults pay $10.00
A museum scavenger hunt can be offered instead of a docent-led tour and can accommodate up to 100 students at a time. Small groups of students are given a list of questions to complete within a 30-40 minute time limit. Docents are present within the Museum to assist. Same fees apply and reservations are still required.
Strudel-doo Tour
The Museum also offers “Strudel-Doos.” This is a docent-led group tour that includes coffee and apple strudel in the foyer before the tour. Groups walk through the exhibits with a guide. Reservations are required. Group must guarantee the number of attendees 2 days prior to event. There is a minimum of 15 people for this tour.
Fee:
$15.00 per person with a minimum of 15 people
Reservations are required by either calling the Museum at 830-629-1572 or emailing programs@sophienburg.com.
Traveling Trunk
History to You is a program for students and adults designed to bring the Museum directly to the classroom or other group setting. A docent will come with a trunk of artifacts to help share the history and culture of New Braunfels and early Texas. You may choose from three options:
- German Immigrant Trunk
- Republic of Texas Trunk
- Artifact ID Activity (teams work together to try to figure out what old artifacts would have been used for by using magnets, magnifying glasses, and tape measures) then each team shares their discovery with the entire group.
These activities may also be done on-site at the Museum. Reservations are required by either calling the Museum at 830-629-1572 or emailing programs@sophienburg.com.
Fees:
Pre-K-6th grades: $3.00
7th-12th grades: $5.00
Educator Resources
The Sophienburg Museum & Archives provides a free downloadable “Educators’ Packet” of materials for educators. This is good information to have if your group is planning a trip to the Museum. Pre- and post-visit activities incorporate reading, language arts, math, and history.
If your group (school, family, other, or even individual) is visiting the Museum, the addition of a Scavenger Hunt inside the Museum is available upon request at no additional charge above the price of regular Museum admission. Ask about this Scavenger Hunt at the front desk.
Lindheimer’s Texas
This exhibit highlights Ferdinand J. Lindheimer, known as the Father of Texas Botany, and his contributions to science and exploration in 19th-century Texas. A German immigrant, Lindheimer joined a broader community of naturalists—farmers, doctors, teachers, and civic leaders—who documented Texas’ unique plants, animals, climate, and cultures. Their work offered the first detailed glimpse of Texas to the wider world through letters, publications, and specimen collections.
Volunteer
There are many ways to support the Sophienburg Museum & Archives. Volunteers help greet guests, guide tours, and assist with events and history camps. In the Archives, they support cataloging, data entry, research requests, and photo collections. Sophie’s Shop also welcomes help with daily operations. There’s even room for those who enjoy hands-on tinkering.
