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1325 E. Washington St. Brownsville, Texas 78520

1 (956) 541-5560

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Discover our History, Heritage & Cultural Arts

Since 1947, the BHA has served the local community and created opportunities for every resident to learn about, participate with, and come to an appreciation of the connection between our history and cultural art. We are able to serve the community through our various museums that cover nearly every aspect of Brownsville and the Rio Grande Valley’s history and culture.


The mission of the Brownsville Historical Association is to preserve, educate, and promote the history, heritage, and cultural arts of Brownsville, Texas, and its environs through exhibitions, educational programs, publications, cultural events, and archival collections. The vision of BHA is to improve the quality of life for all residents of Brownsville, Texas, and its environs by providing life-long learning experiences about the history, cultural arts, and heritage of the region, and to continue to attract tourism to the heart of Historic Downtown Brownsville.


The Brownsville Historical Association serves the community through eight unique locations and numerous programs throughout the year. We encourage you to consider becoming a member of the BHA to take advantage of everything we have to offer.

ADMISSION RATES

Historic Brownsville Museum or Heritage Museum and Stillman House Museum:

Adults

Seniors

Students

Children Under 6

Members

BISD Students & Teachers

Military

DAY PASS

Day Pass to the Historic Brownsville Museum, Heritage Museum, and Stillman House Museum is valid for one week after purchase:

Adults

Seniors

Students

$6.00

$4.00

$2.00

Free

Free

Free

Free

$12.00

$ 8.00

$ 4.00

MUSEUMS

STILLMAN HOUSE MUSEUM

1325 E. Washington Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541.5560

LAURELES RANCH HOUSE MUSEUM

1501 East 7th Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.372.1515

HISTORIC BROWNSVILLE MUSEUM

 641 E Madison Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.548.1313

BROWNSVILLE HERITAGE MUSEUM

1325 E. Washington Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541.5560

COSTUMES OF THE AMERICAS MUSEUM

1004 E. Sixth Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.547.6890

RENTALS

MARY A. YTURRIA EDUCATION CENTER AT HISTORIC BROWNSVILLE MUSEUM

 641 E Madison Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.548.1313

LAURELES RANCH HOUSE MUSEUM GROUNDS

1501 East 7th Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.372.1515

Historical Landmark: Old City Cemetery

The Old City Cemetery was established in 1853 and is recognized as an outstanding historical landmark by the Texas Historical Commission. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The cemetery reveals much of the city's history; from victims of war and gunfights, to those who died from yellow fever and cholera epidemics. Those buried here reveal the hard life and the early conditions of a Texas border town. The Cemetery is located on East Madison Street and East 5th Street and is open daily from 7 AM - 8 PM.

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ALONSO BUILDING

510 E. Saint Charles Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.554.4965

MARKET SQUARE EVENT HALL

625 East 12th St.

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.548.1313

GET INVOLVED

Our members enjoy more. We want you to be part of our museums, experience our educational programs and attend our events.  Become a member today!

We would like to thank our partners, sponsors and contributors for making our April, May and June programs possible. These include: Vantage Bank, Ms. Marivel Graham (B.I.S.D.), and L&F Distributors.

EXHIBITS

Costumes of the Americas Exhibit: ¡Fiesta y Cultura!

Location: Costumes of the Americas Museum, 1004 E. Sixth Street, Brownsville, Texas

Duration: January 9, 2024-June 7, 2024

Presenting over 20 textiles from the museum’s permanent collection, costume donations from local Brownsville residents, Fiesta y Cultura is an introduction to the traditional and culturally significant Charro Days celebration. Showcasing the cultural heritage of the region, the exhibit uses historic photographs and textiles to transport visitors back in time and immerse them in the cultural experiences of the past. The inclusion of traditional regional costumes from various parts of Mexico, such as Michoacán, Oaxaca, Yucatán, and Chiapas, as well as the iconic China Poblana dress and Charro suit, offers a comprehensive representation of Mexico’s diverse cultural tapestry. Fiesta y Cultura is an opportunity to learn about the traditions, clothing, and celebration that has been cherished for years and continues to be a source of pride for the Brownsville community.


Costumes of the Americas Exhibit: Made for Matrimony

Location: Costumes of the Americas Museum, 1004 E. Sixth Street, Brownsville, Texas

Duration: June 11, 2024- November 15, 2024

The Brownsville Historical Association presents Made for Matrimony, a collection of wedding textiles from Mexico, Central America, and South America. The exhibit explores the diversity of styles, colors, and designs of wedding dresses from these regions. In addition, the exhibition highlights the different cultures and traditions of wedding celebrations in regards to their attire, accessories, and customs. Made for Matrimony will be on display at the Costumes of the Americas Museum from June 11, 2024 through November 15, 2024.  


BISD Student Exhibit: Autism Awareness  

When: April 6 – 27, 2024

Where: Historic Brownsville Museum, 641 E. Madison Street

Cost: Included with paid museum admission. Free for BISD students and teachers (with I.D.)

In honor of Autism Awareness Month, the Brownsville Independent School District’s Fine Arts Department in partnership with B.H.A., invite the community to celebrate their Annual Autism Awareness Student Exhibit. Beautiful and original art work by students of all age levels will be on display.






EVENTS

Historical Happy Hour: Karaoke!

When: Friday, April 26, 2024

Time: 5 - 7 p.m.

Where: Stillman Gardens, 1325 E. Washington Street

Cost: Free for BHA members, $15 when you RSVP, $20 at the door. Sorry, no refunds.

RSVP by calling: (956) 548-1313

Warm up your vocal cords and get ready to sing your heart out at our next Historical Happy Hour. This event is open to the public and for adults 21 years old and older only. Thank you to our friends at L&F Distributors for making this program possible.


Park Day 2024

When: Saturday, April 13, 2024

Time: 9 - 11 a.m.

For more information, please email the Texas Historical Commission at stephen.cure@the.texas.gov.

To learn more about Park Day 2024, please visit https://www.battlefields.org/events/park-day

Palmito Ranch Battlefield National Historic Landmark

Volunteer trash pickup and behind-the-scenes tour of new interpretive platforms (with free water bottle, water, and snacks!). Includes time to learn about the battle and ecology of the area. Meet 16 miles east of Brownsville on State Hwy 4 (Boca Chica Blvd), near the battlefield monument


BISD Elementary Art Competition

When: May 11 – 24, 2024

Where: Historic Brownsville Museum, 641 E. Madison Street

Cost: Included with paid museum admission. Free for BISD students and teachers (with I.D.)

The BISD Elementary Art contest consists of all BISD elementary students participating in a competition from PreK to 5th grade with criteria of seven categories and variety of mediums creativity composed.


International Museum Day

When: Saturday, May 18, 2024

Time: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Where: Heritage Museum/Stillman House Museum, Costumes of the Americas Museum, and Historic Brownsville Museum

Cost: FREE Admission Day!

For more information, please call: 956-548-1313

The International Council of Museums (ICOM) established International Museum Day in 1977 to increase public awareness of the role of museums in the development of society, and it has been steadily gaining momentum ever since. We hope that you bring your friends and family to visit our museums free of charge all DAY!


Memorial Day at the Old City Cemetery

When: Monday, May 27, 2024

Where: Old City Cemetery, Corner of 5th Street & E. Madison Street

For more information or if you would like to volunteer on May 25th to place flags, please call Dave Parsons at (956) 541-5560.

Join us as we honor the veterans buried at the Old City Cemetery. Over 450 identified veterans representing wars from the Indian Wars, World War I & II, and the Persian Gulf War are buried in the Old City Cemetery. Those buried represent both Union and Confederate Soldiers and several from the Mexican Revolution of the early 1900s. A U.S. flag will be placed on each identified veterans' grave. Volunteers to place flags are welcome.


Historical Happy Hour: Sip N’ Craft

When: Friday, May 31, 2024

Time: 5 - 7 p.m.

Where: Historic Brownsville Museum, 641 E. Madison Street

Cost: Free for BHA members, $15 when you RSVP, $20 at the door. Sorry, no refunds.

RSVP by calling: (956) 548-1313

Come and get creative with us at our next Historical Happy Hour! Event open for those 21 years old and over. Please follow us on our social media platforms for more information. Thank you to our friends at L&F Distributors for making this program possible.













BROWNSVILLE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

1325 E. Washington Street 

Brownsville, Texas 78520

1 (956) 541-5560

BROWNSVILLE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

1325 E. Washington Street, Brownsville, Texas 78520

1 (956) 541-5560 

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