Kraus Family Exhibit Opens
We Have Everything Plenty:
The Kraus Family in the Colony
February 2 - May 30, 2010
Michael and Elizabeth Kunz Kraus became devoted followers of Dr. William Keil in the early 1840’s. The couple brought their children to Bethel to live in the new Christian communal society and held them closely to the society’s highest ideals. The family’s commitment was tested severely in 1855 when Michael was killed in a freak accident. True to the colony word, however, the rest of the family was cared for and embraced. Elizabeth and eight of her children (five girls and three boys) eventually came West while Louisa stayed at Bethel where she married into the Bauer family. We are fortunate that the Kraus children were letter writers as they provide some genuine insight into the personal sacrifices made in order to remain true to the colony. Because most of the children married additional attention will be paid to the Bauer, Ehlen, Giesy, Grob, Rapps, Scholl and Smith families. You may have toured the Kraus House on the museum grounds but you have never met the totality of the Kraus family until you visit this exhibit.
