Preserve. Restore. Expand.

Be part of history. Help us save the wall German immigrants built by hand in 1857 — and build what comes next.

"Built by hand in 1857. Save it with yours."

The German Free School was built in 1857 by German immigrants using rammed earth — crushed limestone packed into wooden frames by hand. It is Austin's third oldest building, the birthplace of public education in Texas, and the home of GTHS.

Today, shifting soil is cracking its historic front wall, and we need our community to help complete the restoration the City of Austin started. We are also transforming the Rossplatz into a beautiful second Biergarten and event space — bringing the same artificial grass transformation that has made our gardens one of Austin's most-loved outdoor spaces to the other side of our property.

Our goal is to raise the funds needed to finish the wall and build the Rossplatz, and every gift — at any level — becomes a permanent part of this building's 169-year story.

Construction is underway now and expected to be completed by October 1st. 2026. Just in time to show it off at Octoberfest.

Please support this work with a donation below, or reach out directly to Christopher Markley, GTHS Executive Director, at director@germantexans.org.

“To give and then not feel that one has given is the very best of all ways of giving.”

- Max Beerbohm

The City of Austin has already committed $157,000 toward the $183,000 wall reconstruction. We're asking our community to help close the remaining $36,000.

Wall reconstruction — total cost: $183,000

Already committed by the City of Austin: $147,000

GTHS must raise: $36,000

Our average gift in the last capital campaign was $358 — if that's your range, you're right where most of our community lands. If you're able to stretch further this time, here's where that gift goes.

German Free School Front Wall Reconstruction Fundraising Levels

Cornerstone Founder: $25,000+

Primary naming position on the permanent plaque, listed above all other donors.
Personalized wording on the plaque.
Publicly recognized as the campaign's anchor gift in press materials and at the Rossplatz groundbreaking.
Lifetime event admission for the donor and immediate family.
GTHS Social media recognition.

Founding Wall Patron: $10,000+

Permanent name on plaque on the restored wall.
Lifetime event admission.
Named in all press releases
GTHS Social media recognition.

Rammed Earth Benefactor: $5,000–$9,999

Named in wall restoration dedication signage.
VIP tables at Oktoberfest 2026.
GTHS Journal feature.
Free event admissions for the next five years.
GTHS Social media recognition.

Rossplatz Sponsor: $2,500–$4,999

Named in wall restoration dedication signage.
GTHS Journal recognition.
8 complimentary event tickets.

Preservation Supporter: $1,000–$2,499

Named in wall restoration dedication signage.
GTHS Journal.
Invitation to the restoration.
6 complimentary event tickets.

Community Builder: $500–$999

Campaign donor wall recognition.
2 Oktoberfest 2026 tickets.
Newsletter thank-you.

Heritage Friend: $100–$499

Campaign donor wall recognition.
Newsletter thank-you.

Friend of the Free School: $25–$99

Name listed on the digital donor wall.
Newsletter thank-you.

You can also write us a check and mail it to:

German Texan Heritage Society

P.O.Box 684171

Austin, Texas 78768

Or visit us at the office:

507 E. 10th Street

Austin, Texas 78701

*Donations to GTHS are tax deductible under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. GTHS has not provided any goods or services for these donations. Donation receipts upon request to programs@germantexans.org

Will or Living Trust

Leave a lasting impression on your community

Making a lasting difference in our community may be easier than you realize. With very simple language in your will or trust, you can support the German-Texan Heritage Society by carrying out work you believe in.

Most gifts to GTHS provide the added value of supporting your interests far into the future. Gifts are carefully invested to generate a permanent source of income for good work. This approach ultimately increases the value of every dollar given.

If you are interested in learning more about the process, please contact us at programs@germantexans.org