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Spring Break on the Bluff celebrates local heritage at Kreische Brewery & Monument Hill
Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill State Historic Sites are gearing up for their fourth annual Spring Break on the Bluff, a nineday series of interactive, family-friendly programs inspired by the journey of 19th-century German immigrants. Spring Break activities run every day through Sunday, March 15.
Each program will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is included with sites admission.
This year’s Spring Break series is part of the sites’ involvement in Texas America250, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Embracing the theme “Immigrant Roots, American Branches,” Spring Break on the Bluff invites visitors to explore the experiences of early immigrants to Texas and the skills they needed to thrive. Through games, crafts, and handson activities, visitors can follow the immigrant journey from arrival in Texas,choosing a livelihood, and preserving cultural traditions.
“Fayette County has deep German and Czech roots from immigrants who arrived in the nineteenth century,” says Lead Educator Jenny Townzen. “These programs offer a fun, interactive way for students and families to understand their journey to Texas and the lasting impact they had on our community.”
Throughout the week, visitors can take part in both new and returning programs. Highlights include the German Immigrant Trail Game, inspired by the classic Oregon Trail video game, and Find Your Livelihood, a historic career exploration activity. Popular returning programs include historic games on Wednesday and the crowd-favorite ice cream social on Friday.
This year, Kreische Brewery- Monument Hill is partnering with several community organizationsfor new Spring Break offerings.
On Saturday, March 14, the German-Texan Heritage Society and Texas German Dialect Project will present Kaffee, Kuchen, and Deutsch—an afternoon of traditional coffee and cake paired with German language-learning games. The Fayette Museum and Archives will offer beginner- friendly genealogy activities on Sunday the 15, helping students explore their family history.In keeping with the theme of world travel, participants are invited to pick up a Spring Break on the Bluff passport book. Participants can collect stamps for each program they attend, with four stamps earning a small reward and six or more earning a special spring-themed prize. Passport books are available at the Visitors Center, the Fayette Public Library, and Casino Hall in La Grange.
Spring Break programs are included with regular sites admission. Friends members and children aged 5 and under are free, with admission set at $2 for students, $3 for seniors, and $5 for adults.
For more information and a full schedule of Spring Break activities, visit the Sites’ Facebook page, go to www.VisitKreischeBrewery. com, or contact the Visitors Center at (979) 968-5658.
