Our Colleagues in Preserving the Texas Hill Country German Heritage

The German Heritage Foundation

Local (Texas Hill Country) Organizations

Our eventual goal is to list all the Texas Hill Country organizations that still meet regularly and practice the German language and/or cultural activiites. However, the closest we can start with is a years-old list that may, or may not, still be accurate. We hope that at least the phone number or e-mail address is correct so that you may contact someone for more information. We will continue checking and adding. Your suggestions, corrections, and additions, e-mailed to info@GermanHeritageFoundation.com, are always welcome and "Vielen Dank!" to those who have already helped.

Arion Men's Choir

Franz Dieter Kemper
289 Meusebach Creek Road,
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
(830) 997-9371

Created in 1908, Mark Hierholzer is the current conductor. Practice is Thursdays, 8:15 PM, in St. Joseph's Hall on San Antonio St. All interested men are welcome to attend.

"Sons of Hermann" mixed choir

Conductor: Mark Hierholzer
phone: (830) 997-0212

Created in 1934, practice is Thursdays, 7:30 PM, in St. Joseph's Halle on San Antonio St. All men and women are welcome to attend.

Women's Choir of the Lutheran Holy Ghost Church

113 East San Antonio St.
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
church office: (830) 997-2288

This German women's choir sings at 8:00 AM Sunday services and also at special meetings during the year. Contact the church office for more information.

Men's Choir of Zion Lutheran Church

415 W Austin
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
church office: (830) 997-2195

This choir offers a German/English program a few weeks before Christmas each year. This program offers carols brought along by the first German immigrants.

The Fredericksburg Chorale

Leader: Dr. Rollie Blondeau
Music Secretary: Sharon Moreno
Sharon's phone: (830) 997-0212

This outstanding mixed adult choir has a very broad repertoire, which includes German songs. (Ed. note: I've heard them. If you have singing talent, this is the one you want to contact.)

The Fredericksburg Children's Chorale

Leader: Marion Cates
Music Secretary: Sharon Moreno
Sharon's phone: (830) 997-0212
e-mail: chorale@fbg.net

There are 3 different age groups in this children's choir. They sing all types of songs, including in German.

The Fredericksburg Family Club

President: Elmer Luckenbach
Doss, TX 78624
phone: (830) 669-2526

This club promotes socializing, fun and dance. Monthly meetings include a live band. A nominal fee at the door pays all their expenses. Guests are always welcome. Call for more information.

German Language Classes through Texas Tech University

Coordinator: Wanda Merchant
e-mail: wanda.merchant@ttu.edu
Texas Tech University - Hill Country
P.O. Box 1339
102 E San Antonio St.
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
(830) 990-2717

Wanda Merchant is the coordinator for Special Projects, Professional Development & Community Outreach (what we used to call Adult Education). Please let her know if you are interested in studying German, and at what level. Many courses in this town are only offered on a "as we see a need" basis, so let her know what you would like.

The Fredericksburg Genealogical Society

President: Wilbur Crenwelge
108 N Edison St.
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
(830) 990-4045
e-mail: omaandopac@ctesc.net
website: www.fbgtxgensoc.org

These folks meet at 4:30 on each second Wednesday of the month except in June, July, and August. Family history research is supported. The library is open each Wednesday for research from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, or by arrangement.

Gillespie County Schuetzenbund (Shooting Club)

President: Duane Weidenfeller
612 Bell St.
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
(830) 997-8455

This club has a celebration on the last weekend of July or the first in August. No other information is available at this time.

Friedrichsburger Turnverein Social Turnverein (German Social Club)

President: Dayton Ransleben
102 W. Travis
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
(830) 997-2204

Various social activities take place in this hall. A Pinochle competition starts each 5th Sunday (if I'm translating correctly :) at 1:00 PM. More details to follow.