1325 E. Washington Street | Brownsville, Texas 78520 | info@brownsvillehistory.org | 1 (956) 541-5560
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Discover our History, Heritage & Cultural Arts
With 75 years of service, the Brownsville Historical Association 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.
Blue Star Museums | National Endowment for the Arts
Blue Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, 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.
Heritage Museum
Historic AlonSo Building
Stillman house MUSEUM
Historic brownsville museum & Mary Yturria Education Center
market square EVENT HALL / research center
Historic Laureles
Ranch house Museum
COSTUMES OF THE AMERICAS MUSEUM
Admission Rates
Historic Brownsville Museum or Heritage Museum and Stillman House Museum:
Adults
Seniors
Students
Children Under 6
Members
BISD Students & Teachers
Military
$6.00
$4.00
$2.00
Free
Free
Free
Free
Day Pass
Day Pass to the Historic Brownsville Museum, Heritage Museum, and Stillman House Museum:
Adults
Seniors
Students
$10.00
$ 6.00
$ 3.00
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
EXHIBITS
CHAPS Exhibit: War & Peace on The Rio Grande, 1861-1867
Location: Historic Brownsville Museum, 641 E Madison Street
Duration: April 5 - July 30, 2022
Cost: Exhibit included with paid museum admission.
The Brownsville Historical Association, in collaboration with the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley, will host “War and Peace on the Rio Grande, 1861-1867,” an exhibit designed, developed, and produced by the Community Historical Archaeology Project with Schools (CHAPS) and regional museum consultants. The exhibit recounts the Civil War era from 1846-1876 and how it affected the Rio Grande Valley, using panels, pictures, artifacts and mannequins dressed in the attire of the era.
EVENTS
Ghost Hunting at the Old Southern Pacific Depot
When: Saturday, August 13, 2022
Time: 8 – 10 p.m.
Where: Historic Brownsville Museum, 641 E. Madison Street
Cost: $30
The BHA and RGV Paranormal Lockdown will be hosting a “Ghost Hunt” at the Historic Brownsville Museum. Come discover spooky stories and learn about the ghosts encountered at this historic building. There is a 30-person limit, be sure and register early - spots will fill up fast! Reservations and non-refundable payment required in advance by calling 956- 548-1313. Event open for those 15 years old and over.
About RGV Paranormal:
RGV Paranormal Lockdown is the Valley’s very own ghost hunting team with years of experience of conducting paranormal investigations at famous haunted locations and family homes. The team uses special equipment that gives the capability to communicate with spirits and to investigate the unknown. Join the lockdown, if you dare!
Cocktails with a Curator: A Sneak Peek of our new museum!
When: Thursday, August 18, 2022
Time: 6 - 8 p.m.
Where: Market Square Event Hall, 625 East 12th Street
Cost: Individual tickets are $20 for members & $30 for non-members. Or $30 per couple with membership and $40 per couple if non-members
Let’s mix things up! Join us for “Cocktails with a Curator,” a program that features historical artifacts paired with deliciously themed cocktails. With the opening of the Costumes of the Americas Museum just around the corner, we invite you to take a look at some of the costumes that will be displayed. Price includes admission and three drink tickets per person. Space is limited so be sure and register early- spots will fill up fast! Event open for those 21 years old and over. Thank you to L&F Distributors for making this program possible.
BHA at the Lunada Artisan Market
When: Saturday, August 20
Time: 6 - 9 p.m.
Where: Linear Park, Brownsville, Texas
Cost: Free and open to the public
The Brownsville Historical Association will be at the Lunada Artisan Market. Stop by the Laureles Ranch House Museum where we'll be offering free tours of the museum, selling gift shop items and much more! Donations are encouraged and provide vital support for the museum's educational programs and exhibits.
CAM Exhibit: Hidden In Fabric: Stories of Tradition and Culture
When: September 11 – February 28, 2023
Where: Costumes of the Americas Museum, 1004 E. Sixth Street, Brownsville, Texas
Cost: Regular admission price. Ask about our DAY PASS and visit all of our museums!
The first exhibit displayed at the new building is Hidden in Fabric: Stories of Tradition and Culture. The exhibit stretches beyond fashion and style and focuses on textiles' unique ability to tell a story. For centuries, cultures around the world have used the language of fabric to express themselves, their environments, and their beliefs. The exhibit at the Costumes of the Americas Museum features traditional clothing from Mexico, Central America, and South America that to the naked eye depict various uses of fabrics, colors, patterns, and accessories; together they hold stories of heritage.
Hours of Operation:
Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00am to 4:00pm
Sundays - Mondays: CLOSED
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Old City Cemetery Center
