Sophienburg Museum and Archives

Sophienburg Museum and Archives The Sophienburg Museum documents German immigration, settlement, and community development in Texas from the 1800s to the present.

The Sophienburg Museum & Archives, established 1933, sits on the historic site claimed by founder Prince Carl of Braunfels, naming a fortress for his bride Sophie. Today, the collection continues to expand as we document the many diverse cultures that embody New Braunfels and Comal County, as well as throughout Central Texas. The Sophienburg serves as a repository of one of the nation's greatest

collections of German cultural heritage and history, which chronicles life and settlement in America. The extensive collection includes cultural artifacts, newspapers, photographs, manuscripts, letters, maps, monographs, audiotapes, municipal records, and periodicals. Through its museum division, the Sophienburg seeks to fulfill the role of celebrating public history through exhibits, community outreach, traveling trunk programs, public lectures, and other events. The archives division preserves, processes and makes available for research the collection of documents, historic papers, photographs, and the oral history program Reflections. With hundreds of donors, both collections provide an incomparable resource for any student, scholar, writer, or historian of Central Texas settlement, culture, language, and history.

Mahjong @ The Museum is back and the excitement is growing! Our Mahjong 101 class on June 9th is officially SOLD OUT, an...
06/02/2026

Mahjong @ The Museum is back and the excitement is growing! Our Mahjong 101 class on June 9th is officially SOLD OUT, and we’re thrilled to welcome so many new players to the table.

If you didn’t snag a spot, don’t worry, Open Play still has room, and it’s perfect for anyone who already knows the basics.

Come enjoy a fun, relaxed evening of tiles, community, and connection at the Historic Emmie Seele Faust Memorial Library.

Save your spot for Open Play here: https://sophienburg.com/mahjong-open-play/

We can’t wait to see you at the mahjong table!

Upcoming Dates: June 9th 5:30-8:30pm; August 18th 11am-2pm; October 6th 5:30-8:30pm

Get in the spirit this summer 🇺🇸As America celebrates its 250th Anniversary, there’s no better time to show your patriot...
06/02/2026

Get in the spirit this summer 🇺🇸

As America celebrates its 250th Anniversary, there’s no better time to show your patriotic pride!

Stop by Sophie’s Shop at the Sophienburg Museum and explore our collection of commemorative 250th Anniversary items, perfect for celebrating this historic milestone.

Celebrate the past. Honor the present. Inspire the future.

Here’s what’s happening at the Sophienburg in June! We have a full month of great programs and community events, and we...
06/01/2026

Here’s what’s happening at the Sophienburg in June! We have a full month of great programs and community events, and we’d love for you to join us at the museum. Check out the upcoming offerings and use the links below to learn more or register:

4th of July Parade Participation: https://sophienburg.com/4th-of-july-parade/

Yoga @ The Sophie - 1st Friday: https://sophienburg.com/yoga-at-the-sophie/

Yoga @ The Sophie - 3rd Thursday: https://sophienburg.com/yoga-at-the-sophie-third-thursday-june/

Kaffeeklatsch: https://sophienburg.com/kaffeeklatsch-june-2026/

Lost Arts - Leather Crafting: https://sophienburg.com/lost-arts-leather-crafting-demonstration/

SOLD OUT!!! Mahjong @ The Museum - Mahjong 101: https://sophienburg.com/mahjong-101/ SOLD OUT!!!

Mahjong @ The Museum - Open Play: https://sophienburg.com/mahjong-open-play/

We look forward to seeing you this month!

Take a peaceful mid‑day pause with Yoga @ The Sophie on June 5! Join us for a calming, lunchtime reset at the Sophienbur...
06/01/2026

Take a peaceful mid‑day pause with Yoga @ The Sophie on June 5! Join us for a calming, lunchtime reset at the Sophienburg Museum & Archives.

Whether you're a seasoned yogi or brand‑new to the mat, this session offers a welcoming space to stretch, breathe, and recharge in the middle of your day.

Bring your mat, bring a friend, and enjoy a mindful moment in a beautiful historic setting. We’d love to see you there on June 5!

Location:
The Historic Emmie Seele Faust Memorial Library
401 W. Coll St., New Braunfels, TX 78130

Date: Friday, June 5th

Time: 12:00 - 1:00pm

Class Schedule (March–December):
• First Friday of each month • 12:00–1:00 p.m.
• Third Thursday of each month • 6:00–7:00 p.m.

Cost: $10
All proceeds benefit The Sophienburg Museum & Archives.

We hope you’ll join us for this refreshing new way to connect with your community, support the museum, and enjoy the peaceful beauty of The Sophie.

Reserve your spot here:
https://sophienburg.com/yoga-at-the-sophie/

Step back in time with us as we share voices from Reflections, our ongoing oral history program that began in 1976 as pa...
05/30/2026

Step back in time with us as we share voices from Reflections, our ongoing oral history program that began in 1976 as part of the nation’s Bicentennial celebrations. Each episode brings you first-hand stories from the people who shaped New Braunfels — their memories, milestones, and moments that made history.

Season 3, Episode #13 — A Tribute to Carroll Udo Hoffmann. We recently lost a cherished member of the New Braunfels community and longtime friend of the Sophienburg Museum.

In this special tribute episode, we honor the life and legacy of Carroll Udo Hoffmann. This episode features his interview from Reflections #0755, recorded on October 13, 1993, with J. C. Reagan. His stories, service, and dedication to preserving local history left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

Our sincerest condolences go out to his family and friends. His memory will continue to live on through the history he helped protect and share.

Listen here: https://sophienburg.com/visit/media-press/

We had such a fun and festive time at our last Kaffeeklatsch, where we created festive tissue‑paper flowers together! A ...
05/29/2026

We had such a fun and festive time at our last Kaffeeklatsch, where we created festive tissue‑paper flowers together!

A huge thank‑you to Sylvia Segovia and Sandy Singleterry for guiding us through the project and making the morning so special.

Join us for the next Kaffeeklatsch on June 17, where we’ll keep the creativity blooming by making flowers from book pages and music sheets. It’s the perfect chance to craft, connect, and enjoy a relaxing morning with friends old and new. We hope to see you there!

Location:
Emmie Seele Faust Library
Sophienburg Museum & Archives
401 W. Coll Street, New Braunfels, TX

Date & Time:
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
9:00–10:30 AM

Cost:
$20 per person
Register online with a credit card or pay at the door with cash

RSVP:
Preferred by the Saturday before the event
Call 830‑629‑1572 or register online: https://sophienburg.com/kaffeeklatsch-june-2026/

Kaffeeklatsch meets every 3rd Wednesday, January–September.

This week for Archives Anonymous, we're remaining in 1983! We have seven individuals who are listed as Centennial Chili ...
05/27/2026

This week for Archives Anonymous, we're remaining in 1983! We have seven individuals who are listed as Centennial Chili Cook-Off sponsors in this photo. The only individual we can positively identify here is Mr. Wayne Classen who is second from right, the rest remain unidentified (for now).

Recognize anyone in this photo? Have any memories to share? Let us know in the comments! Or, you can email us at [email protected], or call us at (830) 629-1572. Thanks again!

Turning pages today, preserving stories for tomorrowThe next generation of New Braunfels is already discovering the rich...
05/26/2026

Turning pages today, preserving stories for tomorrow

The next generation of New Braunfels is already discovering the rich history that makes our town so special. By sharing these stories, we’re keeping our heritage alive, one page at a time.

Shop the New Braunfels Pictorial Book plus many other books about Texas & New Braunfels at Sophie’s Shop at The Sophienburg

Perfect for inspiring young minds and celebrating our roots. Because the future of our history starts with them.

Step back in time with us as we share voices from Reflections, our ongoing oral history program that began in 1976 as pa...
05/25/2026

Step back in time with us as we share voices from Reflections, our ongoing oral history program that began in 1976 as part of the nation’s Bicentennial celebrations. Each episode brings you first-hand stories from the people who shaped New Braunfels — their memories, milestones, and moments that made history.

This week we have a special two-part episode for Memorial Day.

Season 3, Episode #11 — Memorial Day Special (Part 1) In this powerful episode, we honor Memorial Day by sharing the voice of Albert Fischbeck, interviewed by Barron Schlameus on March 4, 1991 for Reflections #623. Albert recounts his experience being drafted, trained, and transported during World War II, leading up to the events of D‑Day. His story offers a moving reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of those who served. Tune in and listen as history speaks through the people who lived it.

Season 3, Episode #12 — Memorial Day Special (Part 2) Our Memorial Day series continues as we follow the incredible story of Albert Fischbeck during his service in Europe in World War II. This episode comes from Reflections #623, recorded with interviewer Barron Schlameus on May 4, 1991. Albert shares his experiences from landing on D‑Day through the Battle of the Bulge, offering a vivid and heartfelt account of bravery, hardship, and perseverance. Join us as we honor his story and the many who served.

Listen here: https://sophienburg.com/visit/media-press/

Address

401 W. Coll Street
New Braunfels, TX
78130

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+18306291572

Website

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