1325 E. Washington St. Brownsville, Texas 78520

1 (956) 541-5560

New BHA Museum Pass!

Discover our History, Heritage & Cultural Arts

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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.

ONLINE MUSEUM GIFT STORE

Hours of Operation:

Tuesday - Saturday: 10 am to 4 pm

Sundays - Mondays: CLOSED

ADMISSION RATES

Historic Brownsville Museum or Heritage Museum and Stillman House Museum:

Adults

Seniors

Students

Children Under 6

Members

BISD Students & Teachers

Military

DAY PASS

Day Pass to the Historic Brownsville Museum, Heritage Museum, and Stillman House Museum is valid for one week after purchase:

Adults

Seniors

Students

$6.00

$4.00

$2.00

Free

Free

Free

Free

$12.00

$ 8.00

$ 4.00

Charro Days Museum Hours

The Historic Brownsville Museum, located at 641 E. Madison, will closed Thursday through Saturday, February 27 – March 1, 2025. Costumes of the Americas Museum will be OPEN normal hours. The Heritage and Stillman House Museums, located at 1325 E. Washington, will close EARLY on Thursday, February 27th at 1pm, OPEN Friday, February 28th, and CLOSED ALL DAY Saturday, March 1st .

Historic Alonso Building Sticker

GIFT STORE SPECIALS

Collectible BHA Keychains & Stickers, please click on button below and see all the newly featured items.

BHA Shot Glass

Scout, Museum Mascot Sticker

BHA Shot Glass

BHA Collectible Sticker

Laureles Ranch House Museum Sticker

BHA collectible sticker.

BHA collectible sticker.

Stillman House Museum Sticker

BHA Collectible Keychain

RGV Railroad Engine Keychain

BHA Collectible Keychain

Man Vehicle Key Chain

BHA collectible sticker.

MUSEUMS

STILLMAN HOUSE MUSEUM

1325 E. Washington Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541.5560

HISTORIC BROWNSVILLE MUSEUM

641 E Madison Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.548.1313

LAURELES RANCH HOUSE MUSEUM

1501 East 7th Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.372.1515

BROWNSVILLE HERITAGE MUSEUM

1325 E. Washington Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541.5560

COSTUMES OF THE AMERICAS MUSEUM

1004 E. Sixth Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.525.7252

RENTALS

HISTORIC ALONSO BUILDING

510 E. Saint Charles Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.554.4965

MARY A. YTURRIA EDUCATION CENTER AT HISTORIC BROWNSVILLE MUSEUM

641 E Madison Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.548.1313

MARKET SQUARE EVENT HALL

625 East 12th St.

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.548.1313

LAURELES RANCH HOUSE MUSEUM GROUNDS

1501 East 7th Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.372.1515

STILLMAN HOUSE GARDENS

1325 E. Washington Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541.5560

Historical Landmark: Old City Cemetery

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.

Sip N' Paint

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!

BECOME A MEMBER

We would like to thank our partners, sponsors and contributors for making our January, February, and March programs possible: Linda Mireles, Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, UTRGV CHAPS, Dr. Roseann Bacha-Garza, Dr. W.F. Strong, Dr. Anthony Knopp, Larry Holtzman, Dr. Jackie Kyger, Beard Posse “Order of the Brush”, and David Parsons.

EXHIBITS

Costumes of the Americas Museum Exhibit: Fashioning Her Legacy: Josefa Ibarra

Location: Costumes of the Americas Museum, 1004 E. Sixth Street

Duration: November 19, 2024- May 16, 2025

Cost: Included with paid museum admission.

Discover the vibrant world of Josefa Ibarra through this exclusive exhibit featuring thirty original textiles from the private collection of Linda Mireles. Renowned in Mexico and the United States during the 1960s-1980s, Ibarra's work is celebrated for its bold caftans and abstract designs, deeply influenced by Mexican indigenous culture. Each garment, meticulously handmade in Mexico, revolutionized the fashion world by challenging conventional design norms and material usage. This collection celebrates Ibarra's legacy and her innovative contributions to the world of fashion. Fashioning Her legacy: Josefa Ibarra will be on display at the Costumes of the Americas Museum from November 19, 2024- May 16, 2025.

This program is supported by Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Department 56 Miniature Holiday Village Exhibit

When: Nov. 30, 2024 - Jan. 18, 2025

Where: Historic Brownsville Museum, 641 E Madison Street

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!

CHAPS Exhibit - Ancient Landscapes of South Texas: Hiding in Plain Sight

Duration: Wednesday, December 18, 2024 through May 27, 2025

Location: Historic Brownsville Museum, 641 E Madison Street

Cost: Exhibit included with paid museum admission.

Ancient landscapes surround us but are invisible to most. When it comes to human perceptions of our broader natural landscape, it may seem that it is immutable and unchanging. Residents and visitors of the Rio Grande Valley may step over millions of years of history that included volcanic eruptions, 27-million-year-old petrified logs, 42-million-year-old giant oyster shells, and projectile points used by humans for over 12,000 years. Ancient Landscapes of South Texas: Hiding in Plain Sight illuminates the unique landscape and helps curious minds to understand the natural processes that formed South Texas. The Community Historical Archaeology Project with Schools (CHAPS) celebrates the story of the broader South Texas region from prehistory to present.

EVENTS

Winter Walking Tour: Historic Downtown

When: Saturday, January 11, 2025

Time: 11 a.m.

Where: Meet at the Brownsville Heritage Museum, 1325 E. Washington Street

Cost: $10 for BHA members and $15 for non-members. Sorry, no refunds. Rain or shine.

RSVP by calling: (956) 541-5560

Brownsville is one of the most historic cities in the state of Texas. Venture out with BHA Board member, Dr. Anthony Knopp, through the streets of downtown Brownsville. He will highlight important structures that date back to the city’s founding. Tour is limited to 25 people.

BHA Annual Membership Meeting, Reception, and Presentation by CHAPS Program Manager Roseann Bacha-Garza, M.A.

When: Thursday, January 23, 2025

Meeting: 5:30 p.m.

Reception: 5:45 p.m.

Presentation: 6:00 p.m.

Where: Historic Brownsville Museum, Mary Yturria Education Center, 641 E. Madison Street

For more information call: (956) 548-1313

Current members of the BHA are invited to attend the Annual Membership Meeting, followed by a reception. Immediately following the reception, there will be a presentation on the Underground Railroad through South Texas by Ms. Roseann Bacha-Garza.

Winter Walking Tour: St. Charles District

When: Saturday, January 25, 2025

Time: 11 a.m.

Where: Meet at the Historic Brownsville Museum, 641 E. Madison Street

Cost: $10 for BHA members and $15 for non-members. Sorry, no refunds. Rain or shine.

RSVP by calling: (956) 548-1313

Led by Dr. Anthony Knopp, visitors will explore one of the most historic neighborhoods in Brownsville. Come see the variety of architectural styles that residents and business owners adopted throughout the years, and join us for a visit to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Tour is limited to 25 people.

Winter Walking Tour: Hebrew Cemetery

When: First Tour: Thursday, February 6th, Second Tour: Friday, February 7th

Time: 10 a.m.

Where: Meet at the Historic Brownsville Museum, 641 E. Madison Street

Cost: $10 for BHA members and $15 for non-members. Sorry, no refunds. Rain or shine.

RSVP by calling: (956) 548-1313

BHA Board Member, Larry Holtzman, will be your guide as you tour the Historic Hebrew Cemetery, founded in 1868. The history of the city will reveal itself through the stories of those buried there. The Hebrew Cemetery tour is limited to ten people per tour, so please call to reserve your spot.

Winter Walking Tour: Fort Brown

When: Saturday, February 15, 2025

Time: 11 a.m.

Where: Meet at the Brownsville Heritage Museum, 1325 E. Washington Street

Cost: $10 for BHA members and $15 for non-members. Sorry, no refunds. Rain or shine.

RSVP by calling: (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. BHA Board Member, Dr. Anthony Knopp, will lead you through the Fort Brown and its buildings; many of which are still in use today. Tour is limited to 25 people.

BROWNSVILLE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

1325 E. Washington Street

Brownsville, Texas 78520

1 (956) 541-5560

BROWNSVILLE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

1325 E. Washington Street, Brownsville, Texas 78520

1 (956) 541-5560

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