Texas Wendish Heritage Society & Museum

09/03/2026

We are looking forward to seeing you all at Wendish Fest on September 27!

Texas events 090326

Ike’s History Fest
Sept. 4-5
Denison
https://thc.texas.gov/historic-sites/eisenhower-birthplace
Texas Historical Commission
Celebrate Denison’s connection to President Dwight D. Eisenhower during Ike’s History Fest, a community event featuring historical presentations, family activities, reenactors, and educational experiences honoring the life and legacy of America’s 34th president and first who was born in Texas.

Buddy Holly’s 90th Birthday Bash
Lubbock
Sept. 7
https://www.mylubbock.us/220/Buddy-Holly-Center
City of Lubbock
Celebrate a Texas music legend on what would have been his 90th birthday. Toe-tapping live music, hands-on kids’ activities, photo ops, and more!

In a Pickle Festival
Helotes
Sept. 19-20
https://inapicklefest.com/
Pickle Creations, Carnival, live entertainment, shopping and family fun. Pickle eating and drinking contests, “Pickle Olympics,” “Pickled Pet Parade” and more at the Helotes Festival Grounds.

Texas Wendish Fest
Giddings
Sept. 27
https://www.texaswends.org/wendish-fest
Texas Wendish Heritage Society & Museum
Family-friendly festival offers a day filled with unique cultural activities, delicious food, lively music, and engaging folklife exhibits. Held at the Texas Wendish Heritage Museum.

09/02/2026

Did you attend Wendish Fest last year? You might see some familiar faces on PBS this month! The Texas Wends are featured in an upcoming episode of PBS' Texas Monthly Presents: The Story.

You can watch the episode online starting September 13: https://www.pbs.org/show/texas-monthly-presents-the-story/

It will also air on TV a few weeks after the online release. Check your local PBS listings for exact dates and times in your area.

08/31/2026

If you were subscribed to our email newsletter via our old website (texaswendish.org), please take a moment to unsubscribe. We were recently notified that our old site was compromised and has been sending out spam emails to subscribers.

We take your security seriously and apologize for any inconvenience. Our new website is texaswends.org. If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to us directly at [email protected] or 979-366-2441.

Send a message to learn more

08/31/2026

Congrats to our winner Melissa Hahn Sindlinger! Stay tuned for more Wendish Fest giveaways this month. We hope to see you all on September 27th at the festival!

We are just a few weeks away from Wendish Fest and are hosting another Wendish noodle 1 lb. bag giveaway that will close on Sunday evening. Enter now for a chance to win! You will need to be attending the festival to pick up your prize.

Entry rules:
1. Like this post and share a past Wendish Fest memory.
2. You must like/follow the Texas Wendish Heritage Society & Museum and Wendish Fest page.
3. For extra entries: Share this post or tag 3 friends in the comments!

Make sure to visit our website, to check out the schedule of events and local lodging options: https://www.texaswends.org/wendish-fest

How do I know if I am entered in the contest?
If Wendish Fest's official page likes your comment that means you are entered in the contest! If you are the winner, we will contact you and arrange pickup via email. The contest winner will be announced on Monday morning at 9:30AM CT. Good luck!

08/31/2026

TODAY is the LAST DAY to cast your votes for Wendish Fest!

https://www.guidetotx.com/giddings/arts-entertainment/wendish-fest-texas-wendish-heritage-museum?from=badge&fbclid=IwY2xjawUCWtBwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMWs2MENJR052YmpJRGRoUFZzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeq3HXrdKHcFIIz6O58woqeOq2QwtcerD9t6USbYKMdq39PdNn9w_O8UdsTqY_aem_JD5hrhlOXji-9f9xL0KghQ

Wendish Fest has been nominated for Best Festival in Texas in the Guide to Texas' Best of Texas Awards, and we're honored to be recognized. Please take a moment to vote for Wendish Fest at https://www.guidetotx.com/giddings/arts-entertainment/wendish-fest-texas-wendish-heritage-museum?from=badge

Thank you for your support, and feel free to share this post to help spread the word. You can vote once per day. Voting closes August 31. See you all at The 38th Annual Wendish Fest!

08/28/2026

We are just a few weeks away from Wendish Fest and are hosting another Wendish noodle 1 lb. bag giveaway that will close on Sunday evening. Enter now for a chance to win! You will need to be attending the festival to pick up your prize.

Entry rules:
1. Like this post and share a past Wendish Fest memory.
2. You must like/follow the Texas Wendish Heritage Society & Museum and Wendish Fest page.
3. For extra entries: Share this post or tag 3 friends in the comments!

Make sure to visit our website, to check out the schedule of events and local lodging options: https://www.texaswends.org/wendish-fest

How do I know if I am entered in the contest?
If Wendish Fest's official page likes your comment that means you are entered in the contest! If you are the winner, we will contact you and arrange pickup via email. The contest winner will be announced on Monday morning at 9:30AM CT. Good luck!

08/26/2026

Ready to learn the beautiful art of Wendish Easter egg decorating? Join us at the Texas Wendish Heritage Museum on Saturday, October 17th, from 9:00am–4:00pm for a full day of learning, creating, and having fun!

Sandra Matthijetz and Susan Unger will guide you through the process as you create your own decorative Wendish Easter eggs. You’ll also take home the essential tools and knowledge to continue practicing your new skills.

Class includes:
• All supplies and tools
• Egg-decorating book
• Snacks
• Instruction

$75 per person

This is an all-day class, so please bring your own lunch.

Texas Wendish Heritage Museum
1011 CR 212, Giddings, TX 78942

Spots are limited! Use the registration link below to reserve your spot. Payment is required at the time of registration to secure your place. Registration fees are non-refundable, but your registration may be transferred to another person if you are unable to attend. Please contact the museum to make arrangements for a transfer.

Questions? Email us at [email protected]

Register here: https://texaswendish.wufoo.com/forms/z12qp9ri0wrz6sf/

08/25/2026

David Goeke’s passion for Wendish heritage left a lasting impact on the Texas Wendish Heritage Society and the preservation of Wendish history. As one of the originators of the Wendish Research Website, David helped inspire important efforts to translate original German and Wendish texts, bringing greater understanding to what it means to be Wendish, Lusatian, Prussian, and Saxon.

David was deeply knowledgeable about Wendish history and took great pride in sharing that heritage with others. Many visitors fondly remember his portrayals of Rev. Johann Kilian at the museum, where he dressed in period attire and brought history to life by recounting Kilian’s experiences in Texas. He especially enjoyed sharing these stories with audiences and helping keep Wendish culture alive for future generations.

Our Tribute Tuesdays are shared in no particular order as we continue honoring the many individuals whose dedication, passion, and service helped shape the Texas Wendish Heritage Society into what it is today. Do you have a story or know someone who made a lasting impact on TWHS? We would love to hear from you! Please share your memories with us at [email protected] so we can continue preserving not only our history, but also the stories of the people who made it possible.

Pictured here: Marty Doering with David Goeke as Rev. Kilian

08/25/2026

We’re excited to share that we recently received a Platinum Sponsorship from Walmart, located at 2374 E. Austin Street, in support of this year’s Wendish Fest! Thank you, Walmart Giddings, for your continued generosity and support of the festival.

If you or your business is interested in sponsoring Wendish Fest, contact us at [email protected] or (979) 366-2441.

08/25/2026

We're in the final week of voting! Don't forget, you can vote every day until August 31st.

Wendish Fest has been nominated for Best Festival in Texas in the Guide to Texas' Best of Texas Awards, and we're honored to be recognized. Please take a moment to vote for Wendish Fest at https://www.guidetotx.com/giddings/arts-entertainment/wendish-fest-texas-wendish-heritage-museum?from=badge

Thank you for your support, and feel free to share this post to help spread the word. You can vote once per day. Voting closes August 31. See you all at The 38th Annual Wendish Fest!