1325 E. Washington Street | Brownsville, Texas 78520 | info@brownsvillehistory.org | 1 (956) 541-5560
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Discover our History, Heritage & Cultural Arts
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
Old city cemetery & Old city cemetery center
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
With 71 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.
EXHIBITS
Exhibit Opening & Reception: Bonita María Félix in Cinema
When: Tuesday, October 1, 2019 – 6 pm
Where: Historic Brownsville Museum, 641 E. Madison Street
Cost: Reception is free & open to the public.
Exhibit runs October 1st - December 28th, 2019 and is included with paid museum admission.
For more information call: 956-548-1313
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Brownsville Historical Association presents, Bonita María Félix in Cinema, a display of vintage movie posters from the private collection of Freddy Peralta. The exhibit, Bonita María Félix in Cinema highlights the preservation and promotion of the visual history of Mexican cinematography and provides visitors with the opportunity to develop connections and experiences that reflect on the Latino presence in our history and culture. This exhibit is made possible in part through a grant from Humanities Texas.
Exhibit & Reception: El Día de los Muertos
When: Saturday, November 2, 2019 @ 2:00 pm
Where: Brownsville Heritage Museum, Vezzetti Room, 1325 E. Washington Street
Cost: Free and open to the public.
For more information call: 956-548-1313
Exhibit runs November 2 – 30, 2019
In celebration of Día de los Muertos, the Brownsville Historical Association, in partnership with El Consulado de México in Brownsville, invite you to explore an exhibition of an ofrenda in honor of José Guadalupe Posada. José Guadalupe Posada (1851–1913) was a Mexican illustrator known for his satirical and politically acute calaveras. Join us as we facilitate a sand carpet drawing of Posada’s famous painting, "La Calaca Garbancera". Guests will also create traditional items like calaveras (sugar skulls), cempazuchitl’s (marigolds), and papel picado, to welcome the returning spirits during this holiday.
Department 56 Miniature Holiday Village Exhibit
When: November 30, 2019 – January 4, 2020
Where: Historic Brownsville Museum
641 E. Madison Street
Cost: Exhibit is included with paid admission.
For more information call: 956-548-1313
Back by popular demand, this holiday season, 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.
Christmas Tree Forest Exhibit
When: December 10, 2019 – January 4, 2020
Where: Brownsville Heritage Museum, Vezzetti Room, 1325 E. Washington Street
Cost: Included with paid museum admission.
For more information call: 956-548-1313
The BHA is proud to present the 2nd annual Christmas Tree Forest Exhibit, on display from Tuesday December 10, 2019 to Saturday, January 4, 2020. The Christmas tree forest is a community involved exhibit that showcases personal talents. Civic and business organizations are also invited to participate. The Christmas tree forest is a great outreach opportunity to Museum visitors.
If you would like to participate in the 2019 Christmas Tree Forest Exhibit, forms are available at our Museums or online via Google forms.
EVENTS
Historical Happy Hour: Wine Tasting
When: Friday, November 15th, 2019 – 5 pm to 7 pm
Where: Laureles Ranch House Museum
1501 E. 7th Street
Cost: Free for BHA members.
Non-Museum Members: $5 if you pay before the event, $10 at the door.
Sorry no refunds.
For more information call: 956-548-1313
It’s fall! Gather your friends and join the BHA at the Laureles Ranch House Museum for an informative presentation on perfecting wine pairing for your holiday menus. (If there is inclement weather, this event will be moved to the Historic Brownsville Museum, 641 E. Madison Street). This month’s Happy Hour is sponsored by L&F Distributors. Attendees must be 21 years and older.
2019 Holiday Village at Dean Porter Park
November 25, 2019 – January 1, 2020
Dean Porter Park in the Mitte Cultural District
Free to the Pubic
The BHA is proud to once again participate in the Annual Holiday Village with our Stillman House cottage. Come stroll through Dean Porter Park and view a village of adorable little cottages completely decorated inside and out for the holidays. Admission is FREE and the memories are priceless. Open until 10:00 pm weeknights and until 11:00 pm on Fridays & Saturdays.
Book signing and reception: Journey’s Reward: Renaissance Man Robert Runyon, Aviation Pioneer P.A. Newman, and entrepreneurship in the borderlands
Author: Doug Perkins
When: Thursday, December 5, 2019 – 5:30 to 7 pm
Where: Historic Brownsville Museum, 641 E. Madison Street
Cost: Free and open to the public.
For more information call: 956-548-1313
Journey’s Reward: Renaissance Man Robert Runyon, Aviation Pioneer P.A. Newman, and entrepreneurship in the borderlands tells the story of how borderland innovators, Robert Runyon and Prentice Alexander Newman generated and transferred critical science and technology knowledge during lifetimes devoted to entrepreneurship. Their stories tell of personal tragedies, twist of fates, and individual quests for innovation. Books will be available for purchase at our gift shops and at the book signing event.
Historical Happy Hour: Christmas Spirits!
When: Friday, December 20th, 2019 – 5 to 7 pm
Where: Brownsville Heritage Museum, Vezzetti Room, 1325 E. Washington Street
Cost: Free for BHA members.
Non-Museum Members: $5 if you pay before the event, $10 at the door.
Sorry no refunds.
For more information call: 956-548-1313
Join the BHA as we walk through a magical forest of Christmas trees. Our Christmas tree forest exhibit will be the backdrop for holiday cheers and yuletide friendships. This month’s happy hour is sponsored by our friends at L&F Distributors. Attendees must be 21 years & older.
Hours of Operation:
Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00am to 4:00pm
Sundays - Mondays: CLOSED
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