Portrait Donation Brings Family History Home to Wunderlich Farm in Klein
A touching piece of Klein, Texas history is back where it belongs. James Wunderlich recently donated a portrait of his mother, Katie Strack Wunderlich, to the Wunderlich Farm Interactive History Park, allowing the image to hang in the very home where he was born and raised — the historic Maria Katherine Hofius Wunderlich house.
For James, the donation was deeply personal. The Maria Katherine house, built in 1874 by his great-grandmother Maria Katherine Hofius Wunderlich, served as his childhood home. The portrait now hangs in its original location, reuniting a family heirloom with its historic roots. “This allows the portrait to be hung back in its original location,” said Steve Baird, Klein Historical Foundation director. “It’s a way to keep history and stories alive, one picture at a time.”
A Legacy Rooted in the Klein Community
The Wunderlich family is woven into the fabric of Klein’s history. In 1852, Johann Peter Wunderlich was the first of the family to immigrate to the United States, later joined by his siblings, including Maria Katherine. The German settlers faced harsh conditions, yet their pioneering spirit shaped the Big Cypress community.
The historic Maria Katherine Hofius Wunderlich house, part of the Wunderlich Farm Interactive History Park in Maria Katherine’s home, now preserved by the Klein, Texas Historical Foundation, tells the story of those early settlers’ perseverance. Originally located off Spring-Cypress Road, the home was relocated in 1997 to the Klein Museum complex, allowing future generations to step back in time and experience life as it was in the late 19th century.
What Visitors Can Experience Today
Today, Wunderlich Farm, located at 18218 Theiss Mail Rte Rd, Spring, TX 77379, offers more than just history lessons — it’s an immersive experience. Visitors can:
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Tour Historic Homes: Explore the Maria Katherine house and other historic structures like the 1850 Martin Frank Homestead, relocated and restored to preserve one of the oldest area homes.
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Participate in Hands-On Activities: From mopping wooden floors as early settlers did to learning crafts from the era, guests can experience daily life of the 1890s firsthand.
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Attend Special Events: From an old-fashioned German Christmas Market to monthly Farmers Markets under century-old trees, the farm brings community members together in unique ways.
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Historical Dinners: Guests can enjoy meals prepared over a wood-burning stove, complete with historic recipes and lantern-lit ambiance, recreating the atmosphere of family gatherings from a century ago.
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The farm is open to the public on the last Saturday of each month (except November and December), offering free admission and opportunities to meet costumed interpreters who bring history to life. Market and museum days, toddler-focused Fun Fridays, and annual events like the Back to School Celebration make it a family-friendly destination for all ages.
Please note: The museum and grounds are closed for the entire month of July but will reopen in just a few days as August begins, making now the perfect time to plan an end-of-summer visit.
Keeping History Alive
The donation of Katie Strack Wunderlich’s portrait is more than a gesture; it is part of an ongoing effort to preserve the stories, people, and places that built Klein. The Klein, Texas Historical Foundation continues its mission to maintain artifacts, photos, and records, relying entirely on community support and donations.
Visitors and residents are encouraged to experience this living history at Wunderlich Farm, support local markets, and consider donating artifacts or financial contributions to keep these programs thriving.
For more information on tours, events, or donations, visit kleinhistorical.org or call the museum office at 832-249-5800.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.