Our 2013 Founders Day Celebration will be held Saturday, May 11. As the 8th of May rolls around each year – it becomes time for the community to turn its eye to the past and reflect on the rich cultural heritage of the area. The celebration takes place annually on the 2nd Saturday of May each year on the Pioneer Museum grounds since the mid 1950’s. Visitors young and old alike will have the opportunity to observe many types of pioneer skills including blacksmithing, spinning, weaving, knitting, and sewing, wire fence making,  antique tractors and engines in operation, corn shelling, and storytelling as well as make rope. The activities have an educational goal to enlighten the public to the customs and pioneer skills that were commonplace in Gillespie County during the 19th Century. Join us on Saturday, May 11, 2013, as descendents of settlers, along with more recent arrivals, celebrate Fredericksburg’s heritage with Founders' Day at the Pioneer Museum. You will enjoy the opportunity to share in the celebration.

 

Click on here for a printable PDF flyer with the Founders Day schedule.

 

A Wreath Laying ceremony will honor the founding families of Fredericksburg at 9:30 am at Marktplatz. Immediately following the wreath laying at Marktplatz, everyone is invited to meet Glen Treibs at 11:00 am at the entrance of Der Stadt Friedhof for the second wreath laying and tour at Der Stadt Friedhof and tour of the cemetery.

 

Beginning with a social hour at 5:00 pm, descendants of blacksmiths and the general public are invited to attend a dinner program at 6:00 pm in the historic sanctuary of the First Methodist Church. Roy Bellows, an area historian, will speak about the blacksmith profession and Historic Preservation Awards will be presented. Cost of the dinner is $15, which includes admission to the grounds during the day. Anyone wishing to attend the dinner should RSVP by calling 830-997-2835 or email to photoarchive@austin.rr.com by May 1, 2013.

 

Living History activities will take place from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on the museum grounds. Bring the family and enjoy pioneer activities. Roy’s research for his presentation in the evening has included visiting with descendants of the Heinrich and Carl Kensing, John Kleck, Julius Ransleben, Henry Becker Sr., Valentin Hohmann, Gottfried Heimann, Johann Fritz, Fritz Joseph, and Wesley Franz families. During the afternoon from 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm these founding families whose principal occupation was blacksmithing will have family memorabilia on exhibit in the Social Hall on the Pioneer Museum grounds. Roy Bellows will be explaining the blacksmith profession in the blacksmith shop during the day. That afternoon the historic Schandua house at 111 East Austin will be open for tours and a photo exhibit by Melissa Starry featuring “Schatzie Crouch” that afternoon.

 

Admission to the daytime activities is the regular Pioneer Museum admission fee of $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 6-17. Those five and under will receive free admission. Pioneer Museum is located at 325 West Main Street and parking is free. The museum gift shop will also be open which features a wide selection of books, gifts, and collectibles as well as children’s toys from days gone.

 

Come Join Us at Our Founder's Day Event!