1325 E. Washington St. Brownsville, Texas 78520

1 (956) 541-5560

Made for Matrimony Textile Exhibit

Hispanic Heritage Month Exhibit: "Mictlan" by Joel Bernal

New BHA Museum Pass!

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

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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

956.525.7252

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

STILLMAN HOUSE GARDENS

1325 E. Washington Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541.5560

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.

HISTORIC 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

Sip N' Paint

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!

BECOME A MEMBER

We would like to thank our partners, sponsors and contributors for making our October, November and December programs possible. These include: Dr. Anthony Knopp, Michael Rodriguez, Gilbert Hernandez, Ms. Marivel Graham (B.I.S.D.), Linda Mireles, and Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

EXHIBITS

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.

Hispanic Heritage Month Exhibit: “Mictlán” by Joel Bernal

Where: Historic Brownsville Museum, 641 E. Madison Street

Duration: September 17, 2024-October 18, 2024

Cost: Included with paid museum admission.

Mictlantecuhtli is the god of the dead in the Mexica (Aztec) culture. He rules over the underworld, Mictlán, but also promotes life, which makes him a contradictory deity. Only in this sense can we understand the cult of life and death in Mexico today. For centuries, death figures have been made, in this case skulls made of sugar and anise to remind you that Mictlán, the place where the dead arrive - a sort of paradise - is also a better place, free of sorrow.

It is with this background that the work of visual artist Joel Bernal emerges. Mr. Bernal, a native of the RGV, is exhibiting his artwork in Brownsville for the first time.

EVENTS

Shades of Haunted History Walking Tour: Downtown Brownsville

When: Friday, Oct. 11, 2024

Time: Two separate tour groups: First at 6:15 p.m., the second at 7:15 p.m.

Where: Brownsville Heritage Museum, 1325 E. Washington Street

Cost: $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Sorry no refunds.

To register please call: 956-541-5560

Want to uncover the spooky past of our border city? We are offering two downtown tours this fall. The first tour begins at 6:15 pm and will be led by Dr. Anthony Knopp, professor emeritus at UTRGV. The second tour begins at 7:15 pm and will be led by Michael Rodriguez. There is a 25-person limit so be sure and register early - spots will fill up fast!

Shades of Haunted History Walking Tour: Fort Brown

When: Friday, Oct. 18, 2024

Time: Two separate tour groups: First at 6:15 p.m., the second at 7:15 p.m.

Where: Brownsville Heritage Museum, 1325 E. Washington Street

Cost: $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Sorry no refunds.

To register please call: 956-541-5560

Fort Brown was an important military post on the US-Mexican border. This fort saw various conflicts including the Mexican American War and the Civil War. The first tour begins at 6:15 pm and will be led by Dr. Anthony Knopp, professor emeritus at UTRGV. The second tour begins at 7:15 pm and will be led by Michael Rodriguez. There is a 25-person limit, be sure and register early - spots will fill up fast!

Historical Happy Hour: Halloween Costume Contest

When: Friday, Oct. 25, 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.

For more information, please (956) 541-5560

Do you have what it takes to win our Halloween costume contest? Come and join us in your scariest or unique attire to win some awesome goodies! Everyone is encouraged to wear their spookiest outfit (even if you are not participating in the contest). Attendees must be 21 years & older.

Murder, Mystery, Mayhem Tour

When: Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024

Time: 8 p.m.

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

Cost: $15 for members and $20 for non-members. Sorry no refunds.

To register please call: 956-548-1313

Are you in for a night full of spooky history and surprises around every corner? Join the BHA as we explore the Old City Cemetery. Inhabitants of the cemetery will come alive and share their stories of love, deceit, and horror. Attendees should meet at the Old City Cemetery entrance gate. There is a 25-person limit, be sure and register early - spots will fill up fast!

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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