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Community History Archive Partner

New Braunfels Public Library

New Braunfels, Texas

Explore this community history collection to discover the people, places, organizations, and events of New Braunfels.

4Titles

Explore publications and collections from the past.

1977 to 2021Dates represented

See individual titles for available dates.

508,674Archive pages

Historical pages reported for this collection.

Explore local history

Discover the people, places, and stories of New Braunfels, Texas.

Explore the past of New Braunfels, Texas through newspapers in the community archive shared by the New Braunfels Public Library. Its four titles include material from 1977 to 2021.

Free access is available at the institution

Bring the names, dates, or questions you hope to investigate when you consult the collection.

Confirm access arrangements before planning an in-person visit.

  • Selected titles

    The titles shared by New Braunfels Public Library include “Herald Zeitung” and “New Braunfels Monthly Magazine”.

  • In-person access

    Visit or contact the institution for access details.

  • Ways to explore

    Share a question about New Braunfels with family or classmates, then explore the sources that can help you investigate it.

The reporting of earlier years offers a way to explore how events were understood as they happened and how local experiences became part of the historical record. A family story, a classroom project or curiosity about a familiar place can lead to a closer look at the community and the lives of earlier generations.

Explore the collection

Titles in this collection

Browse four titles and 508,674 digitized pages, with material from 1977 to 2021. Through a partnership with Advantage Archives, New Braunfels Public Library shares these sources from the past. Some years or items may be missing between the dates shown. The title list can help you plan in-person research. Contact the institution to confirm access before your visit.

Every search for the past starts with a question. Explore the titles below, follow the sources that speak to it, and see what new detail appears.

Herald Zeitung

34,932 pages from 1979 to 1981

New Braunfels Herald Zeitung

89,898 pages from 1977 to 1985

New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung

381,074 pages from 1986 to 2020

New Braunfels Monthly Magazine

2,770 pages from 2019 to 2021

Visit or contact the institution for access details.

About the Archive

These Archives Are Only Accessible At The Library

While access to these archives are free, visitors must come to the library to view them. We invite you to visit the library and explore these digital archives and the wide range of other services and resources the library provides. The library's address is 700 E Commons St., New Braunfels, Texas 78130 This collection of local newspapers provides invaluable insight into the history and development of New Braunfels and the surrounding area. The digitization of these newspapers was made possible through the support and efforts of the New Braunfels Public Library. Thanks to their partnership with Advantage Archives, the archives are free to access, allowing patrons to explore decades of local history.

  • New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung (1986-2020)
  • New Braunfels Herald Zeitung (1977-1985)
  • Herald Zeitung (1979-1981)
  • New Braunfels Monthly Magazine (2019-2021)

About the Community

About The Newspapers

The New Braunfels Herald (1905-1967)

The story begins in 1905 with the founding of The New Braunfels Herald. For over six decades, this newspaper served as the voice of the community, chronicling the growth and development of New Braunfels through the early 20th century. From its inception, the Herald was more than just a newspaper; it was a beacon of information for the residents, documenting local events, community issues, and the broader impacts of world events on the town.

During its early years, the Herald covered significant milestones in New Braunfels’ history, from infrastructure developments to social gatherings. As the town navigated through the trials of World War I, the Great Depression, and World War II, the Herald was there, providing crucial updates and fostering a sense of unity among its readers. Its detailed reporting and steadfast commitment to local journalism made it an indispensable part of the community.

The New Braunfels Zeitung Chronicle (1957-1964)

In 1957, New Braunfels saw the emergence of another key player in its media landscape: The New Braunfels Zeitung Chronicle. Although its run was relatively short, ending in 1964, the Zeitung Chronicle made a significant impact by offering a fresh perspective on local happenings.

This newspaper arrived during a period of growth and transformation for New Braunfels. It provided residents with coverage of local news, events, and community stories, reflecting the dynamic changes occurring in the town. The Zeitung Chronicle also covered national and international news, presenting it in a context relevant to the local audience. Despite its brief existence, the Zeitung Chronicle enriched the local journalistic scene, adding depth to the coverage of New Braunfels’ evolving narrative.

The New Braunfels Herald and Zeitung (1967-1976)

The story of New Braunfels’ newspapers took another turn in 1967 with the merger of The New Braunfels Herald and The New Braunfels Zeitung Chronicle. This union gave birth to The New Braunfels Herald and Zeitung, a publication that combined the strengths of its predecessors to serve the community more comprehensively.

From 1967 to 1976, The New Braunfels Herald and Zeitung continued the legacy of detailed, community-focused journalism. It offered extensive coverage of local news, politics, social issues, and events, ensuring that residents remained well-informed about the happenings in their town. The merger symbolized a commitment to preserving the journalistic traditions of New Braunfels while adapting to the changing needs of its readers.

Through the Herald and Zeitung, the community witnessed the ongoing evolution of New Braunfels during a vibrant period in its history. The publication documented everything from local government decisions and school events to cultural festivals and community milestones, creating a thorough record of the town’s life.

About the Library

About The New Braunfels Public Library

The New Braunfels Public Library, located in Texas, is dedicated to providing the community with equal access to physical and virtual environments that support and encourage lifelong learning and enrichment. The library offers a wide range of services and resources to residents of New Braunfels and surrounding areas. The library holds over 35,000 books and 2,000 movies, CDs, and audiobooks. Additionally, it boasts a substantial collection of eBooks and downloadable audiobooks. Patrons can utilize print and electronic reference resources, enjoy free Wi-Fi services, use the computers and Internet, or attend one of the library’s many events. The friendly and professional staff is always eager to assist visitors.

Library History

The History Of The New Braunfels Public Library

The New Braunfels Public Library was born out of community effort before it even had a physical space. On March 9, 1928, a group of concerned citizens gathered at Mrs. M. C. Hagler's home to form a library association. Their first event, a "book shower" held at the New Braunfels High School auditorium, invited attendees to donate books to the fledgling library. Initially housed in a room in Harry Landa’s store, the library operated on a subscription model, charging $1 per year to fund book purchases. For its first decade, the library struggled to find a permanent home, moving between various temporary locations. In 1938, thanks to a land gift from the Sophienburg Museum Association and a $5,000 pledge from Emmie Seele Faust, the library's first dedicated building was constructed. Faust generously covered the total construction cost of $7,500. Named the Emmie Seele Faust Memorial Library, this building served the community for thirty years. However, by the 1960s, the library had outgrown its space. The City purchased land behind the Faust building, and with a combination of a $100,000 matching government grant, $66,500 from the City, and an $80,000 gift from Bruno Dittlinger and Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Liebscher, a new library building was constructed. The new building was named the Dittlinger Memorial Library to honor the donors' request. By the late 1990s, the library needed more space once again. On October 16, 1999, the New Braunfels Public Library opened at its current location at 700 E. Common St., continuing its mission to serve the community.

About the Community

About The City of New Braunfels, Texas

New Braunfels, Texas, is a historic city known for its rich German heritage and vibrant community life. Founded in 1845 by German settlers, New Braunfels boasts numerous cultural landmarks, including the famous Wurstfest, a celebration of German culture and sausage. The city is also home to beautiful natural attractions like the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers, making it a popular destination for tourists and residents alike.

Local History

Did You Know?

Did you know that New Braunfels, Texas, hosts one of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations in the United States? Known as Wurstfest, this annual event attracts thousands of visitors each year, celebrating the city’s German heritage with food, music, and festivities. Did you know that “Zeitung” is a German word that means “newspaper.” The New Braunfels Zeitung Chronicle and The New Braunfels Herald and Zeitung names reflect the cultural heritage of the New Braunfels community.

More ways to explore and share local history

Research Guidance

Plan your next research step

If a story has led you to research New Braunfels, keep the question focused and note its clues. Review the information shared by the New Braunfels Public Library, then confirm access arrangements directly with the institution. Write down what the description says and what remains unclear, so a follow-up stays grounded in evidence.

If the collection summary is brief, use it to frame a specific question for the institution. Confirm which source details are available before drawing conclusions. If another catalog or finding aid is suggested, note its name and what it may help you check.

A research trail is most useful when it leaves room for what is not yet known. Record the title, date, and page or item reference where available, along with what remains uncertain and which question you want to follow next. Those details help keep a possible connection from becoming an unsupported conclusion. Record what the institution confirmed, what it did not confirm, and which source detail you can check next. Keep the reference with your interpretation.

Review collection titles

Community Partnership

Keeping local history a community resource

This community archive is made possible by the collaboration of the New Braunfels Public Library, its community, and Advantage Archives. Together, these partnerships preserve local sources and give people a way to explore, learn from, and share the history around them.

Advantage Archives covers ongoing archive hosting, storage, development, and maintenance. The institution and its community do not pay a subscription, seat license, annual support contract, or other recurring archive-service charge. Local history remains a community resource, not a subscription to maintain.

Would you like to see more of your community's history preserved and accessible? Start a conversation with your library, newspaper publisher, historical or genealogical society, museum, or school about the materials they would like to share and a possible partnership with Advantage Archives.

Learn about partnerships
Read All About It

Stories, research tips, and archive news

Read All About It connects archive research with the people and institutions preserving local history. Explore partner and community stories, project updates, research ideas, and perspectives on digitization, education, and working with primary sources. Use the articles as a starting point for your next question or a new way to share a discovery.

Newest published articles

March 18, 2025

It’s Your Community’s History, So Why Rent Something You Own?

We believe that history belongs to the communities where it was made - not locked behind paywalls or inaccessible due to budget restrictions. Subscription-based services and large content aggregators are generally more concerned with "content" and less concerned with the history that content contains. Their models typically involve a reoccurring charge for a plan that renews annually or licensing agreements with the library based on population served or circulation numbers. You are essentially Renting Access To YOUR History.
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