Pioneer Museum Preserving the Pioneer Spirit

Amateur historians can immerse themselves in the past lives of Fredericksburg by exploring the structures, photographs and artifacts at Pioneer Museum, owned and operated by the Gillespie County Historical Society.

04/26/2023 02:53 PM (update 08/01/2023 04:12 PM)

Pioneer Museum Preserving the Pioneer Spirit

The Webber Sunday House, recognized by the Texas Historical Commission, is one of eleven historic structures on the Pioneer Museum campus.

The GCHS and Pioneer Museum work together to present a shared story of Fredericksburg’s rich history.

Collections owned by the GCHS are displayed at both Pioneer Museum and the Vereins Kirche. The collections are brought to life through exhibits, educational programs and demonstrations.

Gillespie County Historical Society

The GCHS was organized in 1935 to preserve and tell the history of Gillespie County.

The Fredericksburg Volunteer Fire Department Museum, located at the Pioneer Museum complex, displays several items frm the department’s history. — Standard-Radio Post file photo

The GCHS first operated a museum in the Vereins Kirche on Marktplatz. The Vereins Kirche replica was built in 1935 after the original building was demolished in 1897.

In 1955, the society bought the historic Kammlah homestead, which includes the original home, smokehouse and barn. This site became the Pioneer Museum.

With other purchases and donations over the years, Pioneer Museum has grown to encompass three and a half acres and 11 buildings. Nine of these buildings are included on a tour of Pioneer Museum.

The GCHS owns and cares for over 50,000 items within its 86-year-old collection.

Visit pioneermuseum.org for more informatiion and special events.

Hours of Operation

The Pioneer Museum is open Mon. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Visit pioneermuseum.org for more informatiion and special events..