Brownsville Historical Association logo

Open:

Tuesday - Saturday: 10am to 4pm CLOSED Sunday & Monday 

Some locations are by appointment only.

Discover our History, Heritage & Cultural Arts

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‍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.

Simon Celaya Railroad Gallery Coming in September banner

‍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 War and museums across America, offering free admission to the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve. The 2026 program runs from Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 16, 2026, through Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2026.

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BROWNSVILLE HERITAGE MUSEUM

1325 E. Washington Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541.5560

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COSTUMES OF THE AMERICAS MUSEUM

1004 E. Sixth Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.525.7252

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MUSEUMS

STILLMAN HOUSE MUSEUM

1325 E. Washington Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541.5560

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LAURELES RANCH HOUSE MUSEUM

1501 East 7th Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541.5560

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HISTORIC BROWNSVILLE MUSEUM

 641 E Madison Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.548.1313

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HISTORIC ALONSO BUILDING

510 E. Saint Charles Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.554.4965

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CHECK OUR EVENT RENTALS AND SEE WHICH VENUE MEETS YOUR NEEDS.

MARY A. YTURRIA EDUCATION CENTER AT HISTORIC BROWNSVILLE MUSEUM

 641 E Madison Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541.5560

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LAURELES RANCH HOUSE MUSEUM

1501 East 7th Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541-5560

MAP

MARKET SQUARE EVENT HALL

625 East 12th St.

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541.5560

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STILLMAN HOUSE GARDENS

1325 E. Washington Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541.5560

MAP

EVENT RENTALS

‍Historical Landmark: Old City Cemetery, Brownsville

‍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.

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 July, August and September programs possible. These include: Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, Consulado de Carrera de Mexico en Brownsville, Revival of Cultural Arts (ROCA), and Nydia O. Tapia-Gonzales.


EXHIBITS

Costumes of the Americas Museum Exhibit: “¡Bailamos!”

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

Duration:  March 17 through January 29, 2027

Cost: Paid museum admission required.

¡Bailamos! Explores Mexican dances as a vibrant and meaningful expression of culture. Through a dynamic presentation of traditional, ceremonial, and folklorico styles from across the country, the exhibition explores how movement, music and costume come together to mark life’s most meaningful moments, holidays, courtship, faith and community celebration. 

Featuring 12 costumes from throughout Mexico, ¡Bailamos! Highlights the significance of each regional tradition while exploring the distinctive costume, choreography, and musical elements that celebrate and study dance. As a living tradition, each dance is continually practiced and preserved across generations. 

This program is supported by Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.  Portions of this exhibit were made possible by the partnership and support of the Consulado de México en Brownsville and Revival of Cultural Arts (ROCA).

EVENTS

Historical Happy Hour: Sip & Shop

When: Friday, August 21st 5:00pm - 7:00pm

Where: Historic Brownsville Museum / Yturria Education Center,641 E Madison St, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA

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

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

Beat the heat at our Mini Market! Come and join us for a delicious drink, some yummy snacks and shop local vendors under one roof at our Historical Happy Hour. Chill out in the air conditioning and browse through various vendors featuring their local products and goods. Select BHA museum gift shop items will be available at discounted prices. 


Museum After Dark: Historic Brownsville Museum

When: Friday, September 4, 2026

Time: 6 p.m. – 8p.m.

Where: Historic Brownsville Museum, 641 E. Madison Street

Cost: Free 

Join us for special First Friday evening hours! Bring the whole family to Museum After Dark and experience the Historic Brownsville Museum in a whole new light. Don’t miss this chance to explore the museum after hours! We’ll be open from 6–8 PM for an evening of history, fun, and community.


Second Saturday: Heritage Museum

When: Saturday, September 12, 2026

Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Where: Heritage Museum, 1325 E. Washington Street

Cost: Free 

“Second Saturday” is a family-friendly crafting event that invites children and adults to get creative together. Held on the second Saturday of each month, this hands-on program features fun art and craft activities inspired by history, culture, and museum exhibits. Whether you're making a keepsake, exploring a new artistic technique, or simply spending quality time with family, “Second Saturday” offers a welcoming space to learn, create, and connect. All ages are encouraged to participate—no crafting experience required! For the month of September, we are highlighting the Heritage Museum.


Film Screening: Los Tejanos: A 500-Year History

When: Wednesday, September 16, 2026 

Time: Doors open at 6 p.m.   Film Screening at 7 p.m.

Where: Historic Alonso Building, 510 E. Saint Charles Street

Cost: Free with limited seating. Tickets must be reserved prior to event. 

Los Tejanos: A 500-Year History is a feature documentary tracing five centuries of Tejano history, from the early 1500s to the present, through oral histories, archival research, and the voices of those who have safeguarded this heritage across generations. Expansive in vision yet deeply rooted in place, the film reveals the resilience, influence, and enduring presence of Tejano communities in South Texas.

For tickets, please go to:

https://form.jotform.com/261805560016148

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Aubrey Nielsen at anielsen@brownsvillehistory.org 


Art Exhibition: The Inaugural SHEKAY Fine Arts Salon – A Curated Exhibition & Silent Auction

When: Thursday, September 24, 2026

Time: 6 p.m.

Where: Historic Brownsville Museum/Yturria Education Center, 641 E. Madison Street

For more information, please contact

Nydia O. Tapia-Gonzalez (956) 714-0212 or email contact@shekay.com 

SHEKAY Fine Arts in coordination with the Brownsville Historical Association is proud to announce the launch of the Rio Grande Valley Fine Arts Salon, a contemporary art exhibition and acquisition event bringing together artists, collectors, and cultural patrons from across the region. For ticket information, please visit https://shekay.com 



Hours of Operation:

Tuesday - Saturday: 10 am to 4 pm

CLOSED Sunday & Monday

Some locations by appointment only.


BROWNSVILLE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

1325 E. Washington Street 

Brownsville, Texas 78520

1 (956) 541-5560

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