Preserving the Past. Building Community. Shaping the Future.
About Us
Munichburg History
Munichburg is Jefferson City, Missouri’s historic “Southside” neighborhood. Dating back to the nineteenth century, Munichburg is located within easy walking distance of the Missouri State Capitol and downtown Jefferson City—but once, it was connected to Jefferson City by a single bridge over Wears Creek.
Settled by German immigrants escaping their homeland’s economic and political upheavals, the neighborhood was soon filled with unique brick homes, businesses, and churches.
Many of the early immigrants had come from the town of Münchberg, in Bavaria, and referred to their new home as “Münchberg” as well. Other Jefferson Citians overheard this term and misunderstood it as “Munichburg”—and the name stuck.
By the turn of the century, Munichburg had become a self-supporting community with its own fire department, inns, schools, and churches, its own dry goods, furniture, clothing, hardware, and grocery stores—even its own brewery!
Munichburg offered the newly arrived German immigrant a place where he could learn American customs and practice his English among other Germans, become a proud citizen of the United States, and also know his children would grow up with an appreciation for their German heritage.
In the second half of the twentieth century, older residents passed on, many of their descendants moved away, and the neighborhood sadly began to deteriorate. Our mission is to revitalize this unique neighborhood.
Learn what it was like growing up in Munichburg:
by Walter A. Schroeder, Ph.D.
Meet our Board
OMA Board
Laura Ward, President
Randy Anderson, Vice President
Patti Schmutzler, Treasurer
Ginger Luetkemeyer, Secretary
Sub-Committees:
Membership
Oktoberfest
Social Media
Southside Businesses
Southside Pride Award
Who We Are
The Old Munichburg Association was formed in 2000. We are dedicated to the revitalization of Jefferson City’s historic Southside. The Association is made up of homeowners, business owners, and others who share a love of the district and a desire to promote, preserve, and protect it.
We are committed to protecting the historic character of Jefferson City’s Southside while fostering a vibrant, welcoming neighborhood for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
Through preservation efforts, community programs, and local partnerships, we work to honor our heritage and strengthen our future.
Come get involved!
Where Are We
Munichburg is the historic core of Jefferson City's Southside. "Munichburg in the Southside" comprises approximately fourteen blocks located south of the Rex Whitton Expressway (US 50/63); west of Monroe and Poplar Streets; north of Franklin Street; and east of US 54 West. Throughout the district, Munichburg street banners welcome you to our neighborhood.
The Old Munichburg Association also includes the rest of Jefferson City's Southside in its areas of interest for preservation. This larger district extends beyond the Munichburg core to include areas that are historically tied to the core. The "Southside" extends east to Jackson Street, south to Stadium Boulevard, and west to Myrtle Street to embrace Swifts Highway and the Panorama subdivision of Linden, Laurel, and Holly Drives.
Recognition & Preservation Awards
The Old Munichburg Association is dedicated to protecting the historic character of Jefferson City’s Southside while fostering a vibrant, welcoming neighborhood for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
Through preservation efforts, community programs, and local partnerships, we work to honor our heritage and strengthen our future. In 2023, we were honored to receive the Preservation Citation of Merit from the International Society for Landscape, Place & Material Culture.
Our Events
Historic Southside Walking Tour (By Request)
Historic Southside Walking Tour (By Request)
Historic Southside Walking Tour (By Request)
Historic Southside Walking Tour (By Request)
The Old Munichburg Association offers a guided walking tour highlighting the history, architecture, and cultural significance of Jefferson City’s Southside.
Tours are not regularly scheduled and are available upon request. Please use the contact link below to inquire about arranging a tour.
Magic Tree
Historic Southside Walking Tour (By Request)
Historic Southside Walking Tour (By Request)
For several holiday seasons, Old Munichburg Association partnered with the Optimist Club and Hawthorne Bank to bring the Magic Tree to our community.
This seasonal installation adds warmth, holiday cheer, and a sense of tradition to the Southside during the Christmas season. We look forward to continuing the Magic Tree on the end of Washington Street in the future.
Neighborhood Clean-up
Historic Southside Walking Tour (By Request)
Neighborhood Clean-up
Old Munichburg Association hosts annual neighborhood clean-up events to help keep the Southside clean, welcoming, and well cared for.
Community volunteers have continued to come together in recent years to support these efforts, with the support of local partners such as Madison Street Realty. We look forward to future clean-up opportunities and encourage residents to get involved.
Oktoberfest
Southside Pride Award
Neighborhood Clean-up
Held annually on the last Saturday of September, Oktoberfest is Old Munichburg’s signature community celebration.
The event features craft and food vendors, live main-stage entertainment, the Munichburg Beer and Wine Garden, a Kids’ Corner, the popular Dachshund Derby and costume contest, the Mid-Mo Old Car Club show, and more.
Proceeds from Oktoberfest directly support the revitalization and preservation of Jefferson City’s historic Southside.
Southside Market
Southside Pride Award
Southside Pride Award
(Returning Soon)
A cherished seasonal tradition, the Southside Market has historically taken place on Dunklin Street in Old Munichburg, featuring local vendors, crafts, antiques, plants, artwork, and live music.
The market is currently being restructured as the Old Munichburg Association works toward its return in a refreshed format. Please check back for upcoming announcements.
Southside Pride Award
Southside Pride Award
Southside Pride Award
Established in 2019, the Southside Pride Award recognizes residents who demonstrate exceptional care and pride in their properties.
This program honors the individuals who help preserve the Southside’s unique character and contribute to the beauty and vitality of the Old Munichburg neighborhood.
Our Projects
The Old Munichburg Association has been busy since we first rolled up our sleeves in 2000!
Our projects are aimed at:
- Securing public recognition of our neighborhood’s unique identity as a historic Germantown district.
- Protecting, rehabilitating, and improving our buildings and infrastructure.
- Improving connections among residents and with the city in general.
- Celebrating our history and heritage as an important part of Jefferson City’s German-immigrant community.
Projects:
- The Munichburg Corner
- The Dunklin Street Murals
- Creation of the Community Improvement District (CID)
- Establishing the Munichburg Commercial Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
- German Heritage Education
- Historic Southside Neighborhood Watch
- Estabishing of the Broadway-Dunklin Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
- Beautification - Landscaping on Dunklin St.
- Münchberg, Bavaria: Our Partner City, established 2004
- Networking with Other Local Groups
- History Projects\Published Books by Walter A. Schroeder
- Southside Greenway Arch, pictured left
- Annual College Scholarship
History
* German Immigrants: Settled in 1840's
to escape their homeland's economic
hardship, political instability, & land shortages
* Self-sustaining Community: Had own
churches, schools, and businesses
* Civil War Presence: A fortification built due to
pro-Union stance of residents.
Architectural Character
* German Brick Vernacular with Steep Gables,
Stone Window Sills, Arched Brick Lintels, and
Limestone Foundations
* Alley Houses, Limestone Cellars
* Victorian, Greek Revival & Italianate
with Widow Walks, Dentiled Cornices, and
Ironwork Balconies
Culture
* "Gemütlichkeit" - German socialization,
formed around a culture of hospitality and
socialization, historically anchored by local
beer gardens with beer and food
* Sister City to Munchberg, Germany
* Isolated by Wears Creek that fostered a tight-
knit community