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 connects residents and visitors with the heritage and cultural arts of Brownsville, Texas through the preservation of historic sites and artifacts, museum exhibitions and educational programs, ensuring the past endures in our present and inspires our future. The vision of the Brownsville Historical Association is to be passionate advocates and trusted stewards of Brownsville’s history, heritage, and historic places by preserving the past, enriching the present, and inspiring future generations.
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.
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.
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: On Display 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).
BISD Student Art Exhibit: Dia De Los Muertos
Where: Historic Brownsville Museum, Mary Yturria Education Center, 641 E. Madison Street
Duration: October 27, 2026 - November 20, 2026
Cost: Included with paid museum admission. Free for BISD students and teachers (with I.D.)
In honor of Dia De Los Muertos, the Brownsville Independent School District’s Fine Arts Department in partnership with B.H.A, invite the community to celebrate their Dia De Los Muertos Student Exhibit. Beautiful and original art work by students of all age levels will be on display.
Department 56 Miniature Holiday Village Exhibit
Where: Historic Brownsville Museum, 641 E. Madison Street
Duration: November 28, 2026 - January 16, 2027
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
Celebrate Charles Stillman’s 216th Birthday with a Free Admission Day!
When: Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Where: Historic Brownsville Museum, Costumes of the Americas Museum, Heritage Museum and Stillman House Museum
Cost: Free and open to the public
The Brownsville Historical Association would like to invite the public to celebrate Charles Stillman’s 216th birthday with free admission day! Come out and celebrate with us!
Museum After Dark: Heritage Museum
When: Friday, November 6, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: Stillman House Museum, 1325 E. Washington Street
Cost: Free and Open to the public
Join us for special First Friday evening hours! Bring the whole family to “Museum After Dark” and experience the Heritage 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 exploration and historical tours.
Flag Placement for Veteran’s Day in the Old City Cemetery
When: Saturday, November 7, 2026
Where:Old City Cemetery, Corner of 5th Street & E. Madison St.
Time: 9:00 AM
Cost: Free and open to the public
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 also represent both Union and Confederate soldiers and several from the Mexican Revolution. A U.S. flag will be placed on each identified veterans’ grave. If you would like to volunteer by placing flags on veteran graves, please visit the link below. Special thanks to Allison & Dennis Acosta for overseeing this honor.
Where:Old City Cemetery, Corner of 5th Street & E. Madison St.
Time: 10:00 AM
Cost: Free and open to the public. Call (956) 548-1313 to RSVP!
Join the BHA as we come together to honor and recognize the brave men and women who have served and protected our nation.
This special guided tour will highlight the stories of veterans laid to rest at the historic Old City Cemetery, offering an opportunity to remember their service, reflect on their sacrifices, and celebrate their lasting legacy.
Free and open to the public! Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot.
Second Saturday: Heritage Museum
When: Saturday, November 14, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: Heritage Museum, 1325 E. Washington Street
Cost: Free and Open to the public
“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!
Historical Happy Hour: Friendsgiving
When: Friday, November 20, 2026
Where: Laureles Ranch House Museum, 1501 E. 7th Street
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Cost: Free for BHA members, $15 when you RSVP, $20 at the door. Sorry, no refunds.
For more information, please call: 956-548-1313
Join us for a special Friendsgiving feast! Bring your favorite side, appetizer, dessert or just yourself to our first ever Friendsgiving! We will provide the main dish with a special Fall holiday drink along with beer and wine. Attendees must be 21 years & older.
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
This website makes use of cookies. Please see our privacy policy for details.
