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.

>> ONLINE BOOKSTORE

>> CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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

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

MARY A. YTURRIA EDUCATION CENTER AT HISTORIC BROWNSVILLE MUSEUM

641 E Madison Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.548.1313

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

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!

HOLIDAY HOURS

All BHA museums will close on Tuesday, Dec. 26 and Tuesday, Jan. 2 in observance of Christmas and New Year’s Day.

EXHIBITS

Costumes of the Americas Exhibit: Soul of the Tehuana

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

Duration: September 5, 2023 - January 5, 2024

Cost: Included with paid museum admission.

The Brownsville Historical Association presents Soul of the Tehuana, a textile and Día De Los Muertos exhibition. Soul of the Tehuana, in part, pays tribute to Mexican painter, Frida Kahlo, through her iconic use of the traditional Tehuana dress. In addition to highlighting the origin of the textiles, the exhibit itself will serve as an altar to Frida Kahlo and implement other customary elements used in celebrating Día De Los Muertos, the Mexican day of the dead holiday. The exhibition will be on display at the Costumes of the Americas Museum from September 5, 2023 through January 5, 2024.

Department 56 Miniature Holiday Village Exhibit

When: Nov. 25, 2023 - Jan. 7, 2024

Where: Historic Brownsville Museum, 641 E Madison Street

Cost: Exhibit is included with paid museum admission.

The Brownsville Historical Association is proud to present its Department 56 Miniature Holiday Village collection. Founded in 1976, the Department 56 Company captures the spirit of Christmas through various themed collections that can be seen throughout the display. Donated by the Gloor family in memory of collector, June Gloor, the exhibit contains over 500 ceramic pieces including figurines, animals, and lit structures. This holiday season create a new tradition with friends and family by visiting this magnificent display!

EVENTS

Historical Happy Hour: Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest

When: Friday, Dec. 15 , 2022

Time: 5 p.m.- 7 p.m.

Where: Heritage Museum, Vezzetti Room, 1325 E. Washington Street

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

For more information, please (956) 541-5560

We’re having a party, and things are going to get UGLY. Wear a Ho-Ho-Horrible Holiday sweater! A prize will be awarded to the person wearing the ugliest sweater. We will also toast to the holidays with friends and good cheer! This month’s happy hour is sponsored by our friends at L&F Distributors. Attendees must be 21 years & older.

BROWNSVILLE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

1325 E. Washington Street , Brownsville, Texas 78520

1 (956) 541-5560

BECOME A MEMBER

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