Hours of Operation: 

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

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.

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 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.

READ MORE

MUSEUMS

STILLMAN HOUSE MUSEUM

1325 E. Washington Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541.5560

MAP

LAURELES RANCH HOUSE MUSEUM

1501 East 7th Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.372.1515

MAP

HISTORIC BROWNSVILLE MUSEUM

 641 E Madison Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.548.1313

MAP

BROWNSVILLE HERITAGE MUSEUM

1325 E. Washington Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541.5560

MAP

COSTUMES OF THE AMERICAS MUSEUM

1004 E. Sixth Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.525.7252

MAP

RENTALS

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

‍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.

HISTORIC ALONSO BUILDING

510 E. Saint Charles Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.554.4965

MAP

MARY A. YTURRIA EDUCATION CENTER AT HISTORIC BROWNSVILLE MUSEUM

 641 E Madison Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.548.1313

MAP

MARKET SQUARE EVENT HALL

625 East 12th St.

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.548.1313

MAP

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: Manuel Hinojosa, Juan Velez, Jesus Treviño.

EXHIBITS

Costumes of the Americas Museum Exhibit: “Celebrating 20 years: Costumes of the Americas Museum”

Location: Costumes of the Americas Museum 

1004 E. Sixth Street

Duration: July 8, 2025 through March 10, 2026

Cost: Included with paid museum admission.

This anniversary exhibit reflects on the 20-year journey of the Costumes of the Americas Museum. From its grassroots beginnings, founded by a dedicated group of women passionate about preserving cultural traditions, to becoming a space for education and connection, the museum has grown far beyond its original vision. Celebrating 20 Years highlights the individuals who shaped its story, showcases select costumes from the museum’s rich collection, and traces the evolution of its mission to celebrate the diverse costumes and traditions of Mexico, Central America, and South America. Visitors are invited to explore how this small museum became a vibrant cultural cornerstone in our community. Celebrating 20 Years will be on display at the Costumes of the Americas Museum from July 8, 2025 through March 10, 2026. 

EVENTS

Historical Happy Hour: Presentation & Book Signing: “Puertas Verdes”, A Novel by Manuel Hinojosa

When: Friday, July 18, 2025

Time: 5 - 7 p.m.

Where: Historic Brownsville Museum 

641 E Madison Street

Cost: Free for BHA members, non-members $15 if you RSVP and pay before the event, $20 at the door. Sorry no refunds.

For more information, please call (956) 548-1313

A native of the Rio Grande Valley, local author and architect Manuel Hinojosa, will present his novel “Puertas Verdes”. This historical novel delves into the life of Juan Davis Bradburn and his heroic actions in Mexico’s War for Independence. This novel emphasizes Bradburn’s bravery, his role in the Republic of Mexico’s birth, and the significance of his sacrifice. Mr. Hinojosa’s work blends architectural expertise with a deep commitment to preserving and interpreting the rich history of the Texas-Mexico borderlands. Books available for purchase during the Historical Happy Hour and in museum gift shops if you are not able to attend the program. This event is open to the public and for adults 21 years old and older only. 


Historical Happy Hour: Game Night

When: August 15, 2025

Time: 5 -7 p.m.

Where: Historic Alonso Building, 510 East St. Charles Street

Cost: Free for BHA members, non-members $15 if you RSVP and pay before the event, $20 at the door. 

Sorry, no refunds. 

For more information, please call 956-548-1313

It’s game time! Join us at this month’s happy hour for a night filled with your favorite board games. Feel free to bring your own as well. This event is open to the public and for adults 21 years old and older only. 


Coming September 2025! Full steam ahead!

Grand Opening of the Simon Celaya Railroad Gallery

Date to be announced.

Where: 641 E. Madison Street, Brownsville, Texas

Sponsored by Brownsville Historical Association, Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation and Muse Work.


Hispanic Heritage Month Exhibit: unIdos

Where: Historic Brownsville Museum 

641 E Madison Street

Duration: September 16, 2025-October 18, 2025

Cost: Included with paid museum admission.

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Brownsville Historical Association will host the exhibit unIdos, curated by Jesus Trevino and Juan Velez. Exhibitors include visual artists from South Texas such as: Alejandro Macias, Cande Aguilar, Gina Gwen Palacios, Omar Gonzalez, Jesus de la Rosa, Angela Scardigno, Josie Castillo, Carlos Limas and more. 


Exhibit Opening Reception: unIdos 

When: September 19, 2025 

Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm

Where: Mary Yturria Education Center 

641 E. Madison Street

Cost: Free and open to the public. 

The exhibit opening and reception will take place at the Mary Yturria Education Center located at the Historic Brownsville Museum. For more information, please call 956-548-1313.

Hours of Operation:

Tuesday - Saturday: 10 am to 4 pm

CLOSED Sunday & Monday


BROWNSVILLE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

1325 E. Washington Street 

Brownsville, Texas 78520

1 (956) 541-5560

This website makes use of cookies. Please see our privacy policy for details.

Deny

OK

Accept Selected