Collections

The Sophienburg Archives collections contains documentary historical information pertaining to the founding and growth of New Braunfels and German emigration into Texas. Research services are provided.

Historical and Genealogical Holdings

Over 1000 collections are currently being catalogued by our volunteers. The collections contain a variety of items ranging from maps, surveys, business records, water district and government records, club and organization minutes, school records, diaries, marriage licenses, music, ships' lists, newspaper clippings, family genealogies, letters, almanacs, telephone directories, postcards, family movies, documents of all types, friendship cards, military records, some census lists for Comal County, church records, paintings, Bibles, books and much more.

NEW BRAUNFELS ZEITUNG:
German language newspaper published from November 12, 1852 to December 31, 1957. These are on microfilm and available for viewing at our Archives. The Zeitung is currently being computer indexed by personal name and brief content descriptions.

NEW BRAUNFELS HERALD:
English language newspaper published from 1896 and which combined with the Zeitung in 1956. Since 1956 known as the HERALD-ZEITUNG. Microfilms are available for most of this paper. Indexes and subject files cover much of this period.

ORAL HISTORY TAPES:
Over 2000 oral history tapes by members of the community. Transcriptions and indexes are available on many of these. The tapes can be heard at our facility, or copies on CD can be purchased for $15.00 each.

PHOTOGRAPH COLLECTION:
Copies of photographs are available or can be arranged. Prices vary as to the size and color. A historical preservation fee is charged for the use of any of our Archives-held negatives or photographs above the price of the actual photograph. Commercial fees are charged for any commercial use.

Seidel/Braunfels Studio Photos
One million plus negatives from the mid '20s to '80s.These are also available on microfilm through 1964 and microfilming is an ongoing project. Copies can be purchased from our negatives.

General Photo Collection
Extensive collection of photos dating from the 1850s showing events and people of the area. The Frances Bridges and New Braunfels Herald collections are included here as are many smaller but no less important collections.

SOLMS/BRAUNFELS ARCHIVES:
72 volumes in German including indexes comprising letters, business accounts and other documents relating to the colonization project of the Society for the Protection of German Immigrants in Texas - 1842-1860.

COLLECTION:
Baetge family donation of early 1840 original drawings of railroad station, etc. in St. Petersburg, Russia and other locations. Karl Baetge was a civil engineer in Germany and Russia in early 1800's