1325 E. Washington St. Brownsville, Texas 78520

1 (956) 541-5560

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.

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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

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 2024 Blue Star Museums program begins on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 18, 2024 and ends on Labor Day, Monday, September 2, 2024.

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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

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.

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!

BECOME A MEMBER

We would like to thank our partners, sponsors and contributors for making our July, August, and September programs possible: Dean Porter Park Renovation Inc. (DPPR) committee - Mellena Conner, MuseWork, The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC), Starbase Brewing, Texas Embers, Chasing Camilla-Melissa Rojas and JC Frias from The Pink Casa.

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.

EVENTS

Happy Birthday Amelia! Amelia Earhart Birthday Celebration

When: Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Time: 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Where: Historic Brownsville Museum, 641 E. Madison Street

Cost: Free and open to the public

Amelia Earhart's ties to Brownsville's rich aviation history were cemented in 1929, when she greeted Charles Lindbergh after his historic flight from Mexico City. In Brownsville, she earned her commercial pilot's license, becoming only the fourth American woman to do so. Our city played a significant role in shaping her illustrious career. Join us in wishing Amelia Earhart a Happy 127th Birthday! We will have cake, activities, and more to honor Amelia’s legacy.

Exhibit Program: DIY: Creating Unique Keepsake Decorations for your Wedding

When: Thursday, August 15, 2024

Time: 6pm-8pm

The event will begin promptly, so please arrive 15 minutes early to check in and find a seat.

Where: Historic Brownsville Museum, 641 E Madison Street

Cost: $35 for BHA members and $40 for non-members. (all materials included with cost)

RSVP and payment are required for this program. Please contact Leonor C. Medina at the Costumes of the Americas Museum by calling 956-525-7252.

Join us for an afternoon of imaginative fun by creating garters made out of serape fabric and papel picado for a wedding celebration! The program will be led by Melissa Rojas from Chasing Camila and JC Frias from the Pink Casa. Both shop owners will be on hand for craft expertise and guidance. There is a 25-person limit, be sure and register early - spots will fill up fast! Food and light refreshments will be provided.

Sip n' Craft: Candle-making with Texas Embers

When: Friday, August 30, 2024

Time: First session at 5pm, Second session at 6:30pm

Where: Historic Brownsville Museum, 641 E Madison Street

Cost: $35 for BHA members and $40 for non-members. (all materials included with cost)

RSVP required due to limited seating

(12 individuals per session).

Sorry, no refunds.

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

Come pour with us! Join Texas Embers and create your own one-of-a-kind scented candle!

Owners of locally owned, Texas Embers, will lead you through the process of creating a hand-crafted candle and customizing the scent of your choosing. Various types of candles will also be available for purchase.

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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