‍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.

Hours of Operation:

Tuesday - Saturday: 10 am to 4 pm

Sundays - Mondays: CLOSED

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

$12.00

$ 8.00

$ 4.00

Blue Star Museums | National Endowment for the Arts

Blue Star Museums is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families, in collaboration with the Department of Defense and museums across America, offering free admission to the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve. The 2025 Blue Star Museums program begins on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 17, 2025 and ends on Labor Day, Monday, September 1, 2025.

LAURELES RANCH HOUSE MUSEUM

1501 East 7th Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.372.1515

MAP

STILLMAN HOUSE GARDENS

1325 E. Washington Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541.5560

MAP

‍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.

We would like to thank our partners, sponsors and contributors for making our April, May and June programs possible. These include: Linda Mireles, Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, Ms. Marivel Graham (B.I.S.D.), UTRGV CHAPS, Roseann Bacha-Garza, Dr. Jackie Kyger, Juan Velez and Glenn Simpson of Bay Bees.

EXHIBITS

NOW EXTENDED! Costumes of the Americas Museum Exhibit: Fashioning Her Legacy: Josefa Ibarra

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

Duration: Through June, 2025

Cost: Paid museum admission required.

Discover the vibrant world of Josefa Ibarra through this exclusive exhibit featuring thirty original textiles from the private collection of Linda Mireles. Renowned in Mexico and the United States during the 1960s-1980s, Ibarra's work is celebrated for its bold caftans and abstract designs, deeply influenced by Mexican indigenous culture. Each garment, meticulously handmade in Mexico, revolutionized the fashion world by challenging conventional design norms and material usage. This collection celebrates Ibarra's legacy and her innovative contributions to the world of fashion.

This program is supported by Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

EVENTS

Historical Happy Hour: Learn about Honey Harvesting

When: Friday, June 20, 2025

Time: 5 - 7pm

Where: Historic Alonso Building, 510 E Saint Charles Street

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

RSVP by calling: (956) 548-1313

Kick off your summer with the BHA at our Historical Happy Hour! The summer season is ideal for embracing nature. Dive deeper into the outdoors by exploring local honey production, the intriguing existence of honey bees, and their crucial role in the ecology of the Rio Grande Valley. Presentation and honey samples by Glenn Simpson, owner of Bay Bees. Local honey will be available for purchase.

This event is open to the public and for adults 21 years old and older only.

BROWNSVILLE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

1325 E. Washington St. Brownsville, Texas 78520

Discover our History, Heritage & Cultural Arts

‍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

956.525.7252

RENTALS

LAURELES RANCH HOUSE MUSEUM

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

HISTORIC ALONSO BUILDING

510 E. Saint Charles Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.554.4965

MARY A. YTURRIA EDUCATION CENTER AT HISTORIC BROWNSVILLE MUSEUM

641 E Madison Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.548.1313

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!

EXHIBITS

NOW EXTENDED! Costumes of the Americas Museum Exhibit: Fashioning Her Legacy: Josefa Ibarra

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

Duration: Through June, 2025

Cost: Paid museum admission required.

This program is supported by Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

EVENTS

BROWNSVILLE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION