The Archives is one of the largest repositories of information that chronicles the German immigration movement to Texas. Its extensive collection includes over one million photographic images, newspapers, dating from 1852 to present day, over 2,000 oral history recordings
The Archives is one of the largest repositories of information that chronicles the German immigration movement to Texas. Its extensive collection includes over one million photographic images, newspapers, dating from 1852 to present day, over 2,000 oral history recordings, thousands of original written records, government and church records, and genealogical information. Sophienburg visitors come from all over...
Six major collections make up the Sophienburg Archives. All are open to researchers looking for personal and public information. Browse some content from the Archives.
1) Letters and Papers Collection is comprised of personal and business correspondence, diaries, documents, deeds, minutes, advertising, etc., from 1844 to present, that are historically relevant to local families, businesses and organizations in New Braunfels and Comal County.
2) Map Collection includes 1844 to present day examples of New Braunfels,Comal County, other Central Texas counties, local subdivisions, highway, street and business maps.
3) Newspaper Collection contains virtually complete runs for the following three publications:
Neu Braunfelser Zeitung (German language), 1852-1957.
Several other smaller area newspapers are also preserved. This collection is used extensively for research of historical local, state and world events. It is also a valuable tool that included obituaries, advertisements, announcements and literature. All hard copies have been recorded on microfilm and/or DVDs for research.
4) Photographic Collection has over one million images including original and copied photographs, slides, postcards, stereopticon views, videos, and glass negatives. The negative and slide collections of the following local photographers are also part of the collection: Seidel, Bridges, Kettler, and Braunfels Studios. Copies of images may be copied for publications or personal use. Fees apply.
5) Rare Books Collection preserves German and English language publications with subjects that encompass history, biography, geography, arithmetic, biology, general science, literature, religion and cooking.
6) Research Library is comprised of books collected specifically on subjects pertaining to the history and cultural heritage of New Braunfels, Comal County and the surrounding area.
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