Brownsville Historical Association logo

Open:

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

Some locations are by appointment only.

Discover our History, Heritage & Cultural Arts

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‍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.

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MUSEUMS

BROWNSVILLE HERITAGE MUSEUM

1325 E. Washington Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541.5560

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COSTUMES OF THE AMERICAS MUSEUM

1004 E. Sixth Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.525.7252

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STILLMAN HOUSE MUSEUM

1325 E. Washington Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541.5560

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LAURELES RANCH HOUSE MUSEUM

1501 East 7th Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541.5560

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HISTORIC BROWNSVILLE MUSEUM

 641 E Madison Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.548.1313

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HISTORIC ALONSO BUILDING

510 E. Saint Charles Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.554.4965

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LAURELES RANCH HOUSE MUSEUM

1501 East 7th Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541-5560

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MARKET SQUARE EVENT HALL

625 East 12th St.

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541.5560

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STILLMAN HOUSE GARDENS

1325 E. Washington Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541.5560

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EVENT RENTALS

CHECK OUR EVENT RENTALS AND SEE WHICH VENUE MEETS YOUR NEEDS.

MARY A. YTURRIA EDUCATION CENTER AT HISTORIC BROWNSVILLE MUSEUM

 641 E Madison Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541.5560

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‍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.

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. 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:  March 17 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).

EVENTS

Museum After Dark: Stillman House Museum

When: Friday, October 2, 2026 

Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Where: Stillman House Museum, 1325 E. Washington Street 

Cost: Free Admission 

Join us for special First Friday evening hours!

Bring the whole family to Museum After Dark and experience the historic Stillman House 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 history, fun, and community. 


Shades of Haunted History Walking Tour: Fort Brown

When: Thursday, October 8, 2026 

Time: 7:15 PM

Where: Heritage Museum, 1325 E. Washington Street

Cost: $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Sorry no refunds.

To register please call: 956-541-5560

Fort Brown was an important military post on the US-Mexican border. This fort saw various conflicts including the Mexican American War and the Civil War. The tour begins at 7:15 pm and will be led by Michael Rodriguez. There is a 25-person limit, be sure to register early – spots will fill up fast!


Second Saturday: Craft Program

When: Saturday, October 10, 2026 

Time: 10:00 AM -12:00PM

Where: Historic Brownsville Museum/Yturria Education Center

641 E. Madison Street

Cost: Free

“Second Saturday” is 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. In celebration of Genealogy Month, this October we will explore family heritage and create a family tree. All ages are encouraged to participate – no crafting experience required!


Shades of Haunted History Walking Tour: Downtown

When: Friday, October 16, 2026 

Time: 7:15 PM

Where: Heritage Museum, 1325 E. Washington Street

Cost: $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Sorry no refunds.

To register please call: 956-541-5560

Want to uncover the spooky past of our border city? We are offering a downtown tour this fall. The tour begins at 7:15 pm and will be led by Michael Rodriguez. There is a 25-person limit so be sure and register early-spots will fill up fast!

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

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