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.
We would like to thank our partners, sponsors and contributors for making our January, February, and March programs possible: Linda Mireles, Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, UTRGV CHAPS, Dr. Roseann Bacha-Garza, Dr. W.F. Strong, Dr. Anthony Knopp, Larry Holtzman, Dr. Jackie Kyger, Beard Posse “Order of the Brush”, and David Parsons.
Charro Days Museum Hours
The Historic Brownsville Museum, located at 641 E. Madison, will closed Thursday through Saturday, February 27 – March 1, 2025. Costumes of the Americas Museum will be OPEN normal hours. The Heritage and Stillman House Museums, located at 1325 E. Washington, will close EARLY on Thursday, February 27th at 1pm, OPEN Friday, February 28th, and CLOSED ALL DAY Saturday, March 1st .
EXHIBITS
Costumes of the Americas Museum Exhibit: Fashioning Her Legacy: Josefa Ibarra
Location: Costumes of the Americas Museum, 1004 E. Sixth Street
Duration: November 19, 2024- May 16, 2025
Cost: Included with paid museum admission.
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. Fashioning Her legacy: Josefa Ibarra will be on display at the Costumes of the Americas Museum from November 19, 2024- May 16, 2025.
This program is supported by Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
CHAPS Exhibit - Ancient Landscapes of South Texas: Hiding in Plain Sight
Duration: Wednesday, December 18, 2024 through May 27, 2025
Location: Historic Brownsville Museum, 641 E Madison Street
Cost: Exhibit included with paid museum admission.
Ancient landscapes surround us but are invisible to most. When it comes to human perceptions of our broader natural landscape, it may seem that it is immutable and unchanging. Residents and visitors of the Rio Grande Valley may step over millions of years of history that included volcanic eruptions, 27-million-year-old petrified logs, 42-million-year-old giant oyster shells, and projectile points used by humans for over 12,000 years. Ancient Landscapes of South Texas: Hiding in Plain Sight illuminates the unique landscape and helps curious minds to understand the natural processes that formed South Texas. The Community Historical Archaeology Project with Schools (CHAPS) celebrates the story of the broader South Texas region from prehistory to present.
EVENTS
Winter Walking Tour: Fort Brown
When: Saturday, February 15, 2025
Time: 11 a.m.
Where: Meet at the Brownsville Heritage Museum, 1325 E. Washington Street
Cost: $10 for BHA members and $15 for non-members. Sorry, no refunds. Rain or shine.
RSVP by calling: (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. BHA Board Member, Dr. Anthony Knopp, will lead you through the Fort Brown and its buildings; many of which are still in use today. Tour is limited to 25 people.
Historical Happy Hour: Viva Order of the Brush!
When: Friday, February 21, 2025
Time: 5 p.m. to 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 celebrate with the BHA as we kick off Charro Days at the Historic Brownsville Museum! Event is open to those aged 21 years old and over.
“Ranch Days” at Laureles
When: Every Saturday in March
Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Laureles Ranch House Museum, 1501 E. 7th Street
Cost: Guided tours $5 per person.
Experience the Historic Laureles Ranch House Museum y’all! In honor of Texas History Month, the BHA will open the doors to the Laureles Ranch House (located in Linear Park) every Saturday morning in March. Guided tours of the house will be available until 12 noon. Visit our Facebook and Instagram for more information and details for “Ranch Days”.
Historical Happy Hour: Celebrating Texas History Month!
When: Friday, March 21, 2025
Time: 5 - 7 p.m.
Where: Laureles Ranch House Museum, 1501 E. 7th Street
Cost: Free for BHA members, $15 when you RSVP, $20 at the door. Sorry, no refunds.
RSVP by calling: (956) 548-1313
Celebrate Texas History Month with the BHA at the Historic Laureles Ranch House with Texan wine and beer samples. Event is open to those age 21 years old and over.
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