Category: Family History

It Must Be The Noodles

Spitzenberger’s Book, It Must Be the Noodles, Just Out

It Must Be the Noodles is a whimsical recollection of Ray Spitzenberger’s memories of growing up Wendish in rural Central Texas, centered on the food and stories dished up at his mother’s kitchen table. From Mama facing off against her pugnacious rooster, Smarty Pants, to her homemade wine’s...

Family History Workshop

  The next Family History Workshop is scheduled for Saturday, May 5 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the museum. Weldon Mersiovsky will be on hand to assist with your research and answer all your questions. The registration fee is $15 per person or $25 per couple,...

In and Around the Museum

As we continue to observe the 100th anniversary of the U.S. entry into World War I, we are also sharing with you a few stories about Texas Wends who were called to serve in the “Great War.” Previously, you read about Herman Hobratsch (Hermann Hobratschk) and his war...

L-R Florence Krause Wright and Magdalene Krause Harris

In and Around the Museum

We recently announced plans for a special display honoring the Texas Wends who served in World War I. It was no small feat, but the display was completed in time for Wendish Fest. Included with the items on display are a uniform, helmet and gas mask that belonged...

Dr. Ernst Kiesling – Father of the Safe Room

In 1854, 67-year-old Johann Kiesling decided to leave his home and head for Texas on the Ben Nevis with about 600 others to make a new home and start a new life. Johann brought with him his wife Hanna, age 57, and their three children: Johann, age 22;...

Family History Workshop

August 12, 2017, 9:00 am We are offering another chance for you to work on your own family history with expert guidance from Weldon Mersiovsky, who has many years’ experience in conducting genealogy research. Cost for the workshop is $15 per person or $25 per couple. Bring a...

Preserving a Culture

Students who applied for a 2016-17 Texas Wendish Heritage Scholarship were asked to write an essay that cited an example of something from his or her knowledge of Wendish culture, background, or family heritage that is unique to the Wends. Each applicant was asked to describe how he/she...

Family History Workshop

May 6, 2017, 9:00 am The next Family History Workshop is scheduled for Saturday, May 6 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the museum. Weldon Mersiovsky will be on hand to assist with your research and answer all your questions. The registration fee is $15 per person or $25...

Gruetzners Come to Texas

Prologue A man and his small family exit the carriage that has transported them from the train station to the Hamburg American shipping company’s pier in the port of Hamburg. As they huddle together against the cold wind coming off the Elbe River, they gaze at the steamship...