1325 E. Washington Street | Brownsville, Texas 78520 | info@brownsvillehistory.org | 1 (956) 541-5560

DONATE

Membership levels, prices, and benefits will change effective NOVEMBER 1ST, 2019. > SEE MORE

Discover our History, Heritage & Cultural Arts

Heritage Museum

1325 E. Washington Street

Brownsville, Texas 78520

P: 956.541.5560 | F: 956.435.0028

Map

Historic AlonSo Building

510 E. Saint Charles Street

Brownsville, Texas 78520

P: 956.554.4965

Map

Stillman house MUSEUM

1325 E. Washington Street

Brownsville, Texas 78520

P: 956.541.5560 | F: 956.435.0028

Map

Historic brownsville museum & Mary Yturria Education Center

641 E Madison Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

P: 956.548.1313

Map

market square EVENT HALL / research center

1150 Market Square

Brownsville, Texas 78520

P: 956.546.4242

Map

Historic Laureles

Ranch house Museum

1501 East 7th Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

P: 956.372.1515

Map

Old city cemetery & Old city cemetery center

1004 E. Sixth Street

Brownsville, Texas 78520

P: 956.548.1313

Map

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

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.

EVENTS

“Shades of Haunted History Walking Tour”: Downtown Brownsville

When: Tuesday, October 15, 2019

2 separate tour groups:

First at 6:30 pm, the second at 8:00 pm

Where: Brownsville Heritage Museum, 1325 E. Washington Street

Cost: $5 for members and $10 for non-members. Sorry no refunds.

For more information call: 956-541-5560

Join the BHA for the 14th Annual “Shades of Haunted History Walking Tour.” As our guides lead you through downtown Brownsville, you will uncover the spooky past of the historic buildings in the area. We are offering two downtown tours. The first tour begins at 6:30 pm and will be led by Dr. Tony Knopp. The second tour begins at 8:00 pm and will be led by Michael Rodriguez. There is a 25 person limit for each tour, be sure and register early - spots will fill up fast!

The Rio Grande Delta International Archeology Fair

When: Saturday, October 19, 2019 – 10am to 1pm

Where: Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Park

Cost: Free and open to the public.

For more information call: 956-541-2785

Join us for the Annual Rio Grande Delta International Archaeology Fair. The fair provides the community an opportunity to learn about archaeology, local archaeological resources, and preservation. See exhibits by professional archaeologists and from local museums. Exhibits will feature local archaeological investigations and demonstrations of period technological advances. The fair includes educational games and activities for visitors of all ages.

“Shades of Haunted History Walking Tour”: Downtown Brownsville

When: Wednesday, October 23, 2019

2 separate tour groups:

First at 6: 30 pm, the second at 8:00 pm

Where: Brownsville Heritage Museum, 1325 E. Washington Street

Cost: $5 for members and $10 for non-members. Sorry no refunds.

For more information call: 956-541-5560

Join the BHA for the 14th Annual “Shades of Haunted History Walking Tour.” As our guides lead you through downtown Brownsville, you will uncover the spooky past of the historic buildings in the area. We are offering two downtown tours. The first tour begins at 6:30 pm and will be led by Dr. Tony Knopp. The second tour begins at 8:00 pm and will be led by Michael Rodriguez. There is a 25 person limit for each tour, be sure and register early - spots will fill up fast!

October Historical Happy Hour: Costume Party!

When: Saturday, October 26, 2019

Time: 6 pm to 8 pm*

Where: Historic Brownsville Museum, 641 E. Madison Street

Cost: Free for BHA Members, $5 Non-Museum members paid in advance, $10 at the door.

*Please note the change in time.

Join us with your friends at the Museum in your scariest attire. Winners of the costume contest go home with some goodies! This month’s happy hour is sponsored by our friends at L&F Distributors. Attendees must be 21 years & older.

Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Haunted Tour

When: Saturday, October 26th, 2019

Time: 8 pm – 9 pm

Where: Old City Cemetery (entrance gates)

Cost: $10 per person.

Sorry no refunds.

For more information call: 956-548-1313

Are you in for a night full of haunting histories and surprises around every corner? Join the BHA for our monthly ‘Historical Happy Hour’ followed by a spooky tour as we explore the Old City Cemetery. Inhabitants of the cemetery will come alive and share their stories of love, deceit, and horror. There is a 25 person limit for the tour, be sure and register early - spots will fill up fast!

Ghost Hunt: Old City Cemetery

When: Thursday, October 31st, 2019

8 pm to 10 pm

Where: Intersection of E. 6th Street & E. Madison Street

Cost: $20 admission. Reservations required.

Sorry no refunds. 25 maximum participants.

For more information call: 956-548-1313

The BHA and RGV Paranormal Investigators will be hosting a ‘Ghost Hunt’ at the Old City Cemetery. This event will take place at 8pm. Attendees should meet at the Old City Cemetery. This tour is limited to 25 people.

Reservations and non-refundable payment required in advance by calling the BHA at 956-548-1313.

Hours of Operation:

Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00am to 4:00pm

Sundays - Mondays: CLOSED