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1325 E. Washington St. Brownsville, Texas 78520

1 (956) 541-5560

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Discover our History, Heritage & Cultural Arts

With 76 years of service, the BHA is dedicated to serving the local community and creating 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 nine 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. For more information, feel free to contact the Brownsville Historical Association during business hours.

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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 2023 Blue Star Museums program begins on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 20, 2023 and ends on Labor Day, Monday, September 4, 2023.

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MUSEUMS

BROWNSVILLE HERITAGE MUSEUM

1325 E. Washington Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541.5560

STILLMAN HOUSE MUSEUM

1325 E. Washington Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541.5560

HISTORIC BROWNSVILLE MUSEUM

 641 E Madison Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.548.1313

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COSTUMES OF THE AMERICAS MUSEUM

1004 E. Sixth Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.547.6890

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LAURELES RANCH HOUSE MUSEUM

1501 East 7th Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.372.1515

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RENTALS

HISTORIC ALONSO BUILDING

510 E. Saint Charles Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.554.4965

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MARY A. YTURRIA EDUCATION CENTER AT HISTORIC BROWSNVILLE MUESUM

 641 E Madison Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.548.1313

MARKET SQUARE EVENT HALL

625 East 12th St.

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.546.4242

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LAURELES RANCH HOUSE MUSEUM GROUNDS

1501 East 7th Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.372.1515

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Historical Landmark: Brownsville 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.


The Old City Cemetery is not as spooky as it sounds. Besides graves, the Brownsville Historical Association is also interested in the folk art and customs of the area, especially pertaining to the cemetery. One of the most distinctive cemeteries in the Rio Grande Valley, the architecture in the cemetery is worth noticing. Brownsville Historical Association hopes to enrich the community with information and programs on the cemetery and surrounding neighborhood.

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GET INVOLVED

Our members enjoy more. We want you to be part of our museums, experience its beauty and this is why we offer several ways to let you engage with us to help maintain and develop the museums. Whether you are a student aspiring a career in social work or a business person who loves to preserve and care about the local history or a couple looking to get married in an awesome traditional way. We have everything for all of you. Become a member today!

BECOME A MEMBER

EXHIBITIONS

Costumes of the Americas Museum Exhibit: Roots of the Maya World: Guatemalan Textiles

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

Duration: March 31, 2023 - August 31, 2023

Cost: Included with paid museum admission.


The Brownsville Historical Association, in collaboration with the Consulate of Guatemala in McAllen, presents Roots of the Maya World: Guatemalan Textiles, an exhibition that highlights the traditional dress or trajes of various Guatemalan villages. The exhibition features over 20 complete trajes, made in the traditional way, by the Maya art of backstrap weaving. The exhibition explores regional preferences in color and design and illustrates indigenous identity. Roots of the Maya World: Guatemalan Textiles is on display at the Costumes of the Americas Museum from March 31 through August 31, 2023.

EVENTS

Memorial Day at the Old City Cemetery

When: Monday, May 29, 2023

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


For more information or if you would like to volunteer on May 27th to place flags, please call Dave Parsons at (956) 541-5560.


Join us as we honor the veterans buried at the Old City Cemetery. Over 450 identified veterans representing wars from the Indian Wars, World War I & II, and the Persian Gulf War are buried in the Old City Cemetery. Those buried represent both Union and Confederate Soldiers and several from the Mexican Revolution of the early 1900s. A U.S. flag will be placed on each identified veterans' grave. Volunteers to place flags are welcome.


Sip N’ Paint at the Laureles Ranch House

When: Thursday, June 8, 2023

Time: 6 - 8 p.m.

Where: Laureles Ranch House in Linear Park, 1501 E. 7th Street

Cost: Individual tickets are $25 for members & $35 for non-members.

Sorry, no refunds.

Seating is limited; RSVP by calling: (956) 548-1313


Spend the evening at the Laureles Ranch House and follow along step-by-step with local artist Becky Arguelles as you create a one-of-a- kind masterpiece while you sip on your drink of choice. Fee includes the following materials: paint, canvas, easel, and brushes. The event will begin promptly, so please arrive 15 minutes early to check in and find a seat. Event open for those 21 years old and over. Please follow us on our social media platforms for more information. Thank you to L&F Distributors for making this program possible.

Hours of Operation:

Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

CLOSED Sunday & Monday


BROWNSVILLE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

1325 E. Washington Street , Brownsville, Texas 78520

1 (956) 541-5560

Hours of Operation:

Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

CLOSED Sunday & Monday


BROWNSVILLE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

1325 E. Washington Street, Brownsville, Texas 78520

1 (956) 541-5560 

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