Immerse Students in History!

3rd - 12th Grade History Program    

Introduce students to the story of New Braunfels and early Texas through docent-led tours and experiential learning opportunities. 

The Sophienburg partners with The Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture to provide a hands-on learning experience for children which emphasizes early pioneer skills.

The program requires a full day – 9 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. with a break for lunch – and provides four hours of TEKS compatible instruction emphasizing STEM, art, environmental studies, language arts, natural resource management, and social studies.

$10 per person                                                                                                                                                

• Tour of Sophienburg Museum exhibits with educational docents and interactive videos                                  
• Learn by doing "Wooly Fun" activities of carding, spinning, dyeing, and felting
• Participate in five hands-on "Pioneer Activities" at the Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture            
  (Brick making, candle making, Texas Ranger, chuck wagon, etc.)

Guidelines to Enhance the Experience

The Sophienburg Museum’s educational mission is to be an effective community partner in providing learning opportunities for academic improvement. We are committed to helping educators meet their curriculum needs through quality programming. These guidelines are to enhance the tour experience.

Reservations: Group reservations should be made at least a month in advance by Contacting Keva Boardman, Director of Programs at 830.629.1572 or by email at director@sophienburg.com

Field Trip Hours: Sophienburg Museum & Archives is open for school tours Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm. The teacher should plan for the field trip to take about 1½ – 2 hours for large groups.

Admission Fees: Student fee rates are $3 per child. Teachers are admitted free. Additional adults and children pay regular museum admission fees. It is the teacher’s responsibility to inform additional adults of the required admission cost, which can be paid at the Front Desk upon arrival at the museum.

Bus Unloading and Loading: Busses may load/unload in the parking lot in front of the museum or at curbside on Magazine Street.

Arrival at the Museum: Teachers and students will be met by a museum docent at the front entrance. All students must be accompanied by their teachers and chaperones during the entire museum visit, including bathroom visits. No food, drinks or gum are allowed in the museum.

Adult Chaperones: The role of a chaperone is to help the teacher supervise students and help them get the most out of the learning experience. Adult chaperones are discouraged from using their cell phones or other distractions while on the tour.

Lunch: Some schools enjoy bringing sack lunches for the students as part of their field trip. Weather permitting, lunches can be eaten outdoors in the pavilion or on the museum lawn. If there is inclement weather, accommodations are available in Emmie Seele Faust Library. Each teacher is responsible for making sure the lawn or classroom is picked up and clean before departure.

Sophie’s Shop: If the teacher allows students to enter the Sophie’s Shop, no more than five students are allowed in the store at any time and an adult must be present at all times with the students.