Mathilda Wehmeyer German-American Kindergarten School
Galveston, Galveston County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Born in Bremen, Germany, Mathilda Wehmeyer (1839-1903) arrived in Galveston in 1870. She advertised teaching services for young children, particularly those from Galveston's large German-American community. Her teaching philosophy focused around the German concept of "kindergarten." After initially operating from a house on Ball, she purchased this lot in 1880 for her school. The original house on the lot burned in the 1885 fire that destroyed 40 residential blocks of Galveston's East End. In 1887, Mathilda constructed the existing Italianate building to serve as her house and school. In 1891, Mathilda reopened the school, which she operated here until 1898. She continued to live in the house until she was displaced by the Great Storm of 1900. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2017
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Born in Bremen, Germany, Mathilda Wehmeyer arrived in Galveston in 1870 and advertised teaching for young children, especially those of the city's large German-American community, using the German concept of 'kindergarten.' After the 1885 fire destroyed 40 blocks of the East End and her first house, she built an Italianate home and school in 1887 and taught there until 1898. The Great Storm of 1900 finally displaced her from the house.
Why it matters
It marks an early kindergarten in Texas and the immigrant women who carried German educational ideas into American schooling.
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Related people
- · Mathilda Wehmeyer
Related events
- · 1885 Galveston fire
Themes & tags
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