texas wendish heritage museum

"Those who don't remember the past are condemned to repeat it." With all the rhetoric swirling around today, it would behoove us to learn about the hate and prejudice exhibited in our country's past. These people were persecuted just for their religious beliefs. We can learn how to overcome hate from their history. The volunteer was very helpful and understanding when we had to admit to our total ignorance of this page of Texas history. It was a great learning experience for a very small entrance fee, so, we purchased homemade pickles from the gift shop. Be sure to visit the adjacent church, it is beautiful.

When we received our April, 2014 "Texas Highways" magazine we learned of a town and a people we had never heard of. The town is Serbin (near Giddings) and the people are the Wends. They settled this area of Texas fleeing religious and cultural persecution in Germany. The museum, largely run by volunteers, is a wonderful experience. The story of the Wends was clearly shown in exhibits and elaborated by volunteer docents. The museum is very close to the St. Paul Lutheran Church, established in 1855 by the Wends, led by Pastor Johann Kilian. This is one of the Texas Painted Churches, and is breathtaking in its beauty. We were fortunate enough to visit when Texas Bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrushes were in full bloom. The $2.00/person fee for museum admission seemed quite small, and the church, always open was free.

Be sure to stop by and find out about the Wendish people that moved here in the middle 1800's. It is very interesting. I am a descendant of those people. Check for the museum's hours. They are not open but for a limited time and day.

The Texas Wendish Heritage Museum is located in community of Serbin, Texas, just south of Giddings. The museum and visitors center are located in three pretty, well-kept buildings connected by covered walkways. The visitors center tells the history of the Wends and their arrival in Texas in 1853. The docent, who was a descendant of these early pioneers, was very friendly and extremely knowledgeable and walked with our group of three throughout the museum complex. The second building of the complex contains another museum, filled with wonderful exhibits including antique furniture, folk costumes, crafts and beautiful Wendish Easter Eggs. Outdoor exhibits include log buildings and farm tools. The heritage center also includes a genealogical and historical research library. Open Tuesday thru Sunday 1-5. A great place to learn about a lesser known part of Texas history.