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1325 E. Washington St. Brownsville, Texas 78520

1 (956) 541-5560

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Made for Matrimony Textile Exhibit
New BHA Museum Pass!

Discover our History, Heritage & Cultural Arts

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.

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

MUSEUMS

STILLMAN HOUSE MUSEUM

1325 E. Washington Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541.5560

LAURELES RANCH HOUSE MUSEUM

1501 East 7th Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.372.1515

HISTORIC BROWNSVILLE MUSEUM

 641 E Madison Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.548.1313

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

MARY A. YTURRIA EDUCATION CENTER AT HISTORIC BROWNSVILLE MUSEUM

 641 E Madison Street

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.

HISTORIC ALONSO BUILDING

510 E. Saint Charles Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.554.4965

MARKET SQUARE EVENT HALL

625 East 12th St.

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.548.1313

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 October, November and December programs possible. These include: Dr. Anthony Knopp, Michael Rodriguez, Gilbert Hernandez, Ms. Marivel Graham (B.I.S.D.), Linda Mireles, and Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Holiday Hours

All BHA museums will close at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27 and all day on Thursday, November 28, in observance of Thanksgiving. Closed all day December 24 and 25, 2024 in observance of the Christmas holiday AND Closed December 31, 2024, and January 1, 2025 for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

EXHIBITS

Costumes of the Americas Exhibit: Made for Matrimony

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

Duration: June 11, 2024 - November 15, 2024

The Brownsville Historical Association presents Made for Matrimony, a collection of wedding textiles from Mexico, Central America, and South America. The exhibit explores the diversity of styles, colors, and designs of wedding dresses from these regions. In addition, the exhibition highlights the different cultures and traditions of wedding celebrations in regards to their attire, accessories, and customs. Made for Matrimony will be on display at the Costumes of the Americas Museum from June 11, 2024 through November 15, 2024. 


BISD Student Exhibit: Día De Los Muertos

When: Nov. 2 – 30, 2023

Where: Historic Brownsville Museum 

Mary Yturria Education Center, 641 E. Madison Street

Cost: Included with paid museum admission. Free for BISD students and teachers (with I.D.)

In honor of Día De Los Muertos, the Brownsville Independent School District’s Fine Arts Department in partnership with B.H.A., invite the community to celebrate their Día De Los Muertos Student Exhibit. Beautiful and original art work by students of all age levels will be on display.


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!








EVENTS

Exhibit Opening Reception

BISD Student Exhibit: Día De Los Muertos

When: Nov. 2, 2024

Time: 5-7pm

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

Free and open to the public.

Celebrating the BISD students that participated in the annual Día De Los Muertos. Art work from elementary students through high school level will be displayed. Light refreshments provided.


Veterans Day in the Old City Cemetery

When:  Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024

Time: Meet at 8 a.m.

Where: Old City Cemetery, Corner of 5th Street & E. Madison St.

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 call David Parsons at (956) 541-5560.


Exhibit Opening Reception

Fashioning Her Legacy: Josefa Ibarra

When: Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Where:  Costumes of the Americas Museum, 1004 E. Sixth Street, Brownsville, Texas

FOLLOWED BY a reception at the Mary Yturria Education Center, 641 E. Madison St. 

Cost: Free and open to the public

The exhibit opening will take place at the Costumes of the Americas Museum, located at 1004 E. 6th Street in Brownsville; followed by a reception at the Mary Yturria Education Center located at the Historic Brownsville Museum. For more information, please call 956-525-7252.


Historical Happy Hour: Holiday Wine Tasting

When: Friday, Dec. 20, 2024

Time: 5 p.m.- 7 p.m. 

Where: Historic Brownsville Museum

641 E. Madison Street 

Cost: Free for BHA members, $15 if you RSVP and pay before the event, $20 at the door. Sorry no refunds.

For more information, please (956) 548-1313

Come celebrate Christmas with the BHA!

It’s the holiday season! Gather your friends and join the BHA at the Historic Brownsville Museum for a chance to sample an assortment of wine; perfect for your holiday gatherings.  

Attendees must be 21 years & older. For more information call 956-548-1313.





















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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