‍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.

Simon Celaya Railroad Gallery Coming in September banner

MUSEUMS

BROWNSVILLE HERITAGE MUSEUM

1325 E. Washington Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541.5560

MAP

1004 E. Sixth Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.525.7252

MAP

1325 E. Washington Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541.5560

MAP

LAURELES RANCH HOUSE MUSEUM

1501 East 7th Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541.5560

MAP

641 E Madison Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.548.1313

MAP

HISTORIC ALONSO BUILDING

510 E. Saint Charles Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.554.4965

MAP

LAURELES RANCH HOUSE MUSEUM

1501 East 7th Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541-5560

MAP

MARKET SQUARE EVENT HALL

625 East 12th St.

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541.5560

MAP

STILLMAN HOUSE GARDENS

1325 E. Washington Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541.5560

MAP

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

EVENT RENTALS

MARY A. YTURRIA EDUCATION CENTER AT HISTORIC BROWNSVILLE MUSEUM

641 E Madison Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541.5560

MAP

‍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 January, February, and March programs possible: Dr. Anthony Knopp, Larry Holtzman, and the Beard Posse “Order of the Brush”.

EXHIBITS

Costumes of the Americas Museum Exhibit: “¡Bailamos!”

The exhibition will be on view from March 17, 2026 through August 21, 2026.

¡Bailamos! explores Mexican dances as a vibrant and meaningful expression of culture. Through a dynamic presentation of traditional, ceremonial, and folklórico 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.

EVENTS

“Ranch Days” at Laureles

When: Every Saturday in March

Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Where: Laureles Ranch House Museum, 1501 E. 7th Street

Cost: Guided tours $5 per person.

Experience the Historic Laureles Ranch House Museum y’all! In honor of Texas History Month, the BHA will open the doors to the Laureles Ranch House (located in Linear Park) every Saturday morning in March. Guided tours of the house will be available until 12 noon. Visit our Facebook and Instagram for more information and details for “Ranch Days”.

Historical Happy Hour: Texas History Month

When: Friday, March 13, 2026

Time: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Where: Laureles Ranch House Museum, 1501 E. 7th Street

Cost: Free for BHA members, $15 when you RSVP,

$20 at the door. Sorry, no refunds.

RSVP by calling: (956) 548-1313

Celebrate Texas History Month with the BHA at the Laureles Ranch House. Wear your favorite Texas attire and enjoy some Texas wine and beer with us. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase for our Texan themed raffle basket!

Winter Walking Tour: Old City Cemetery

When: Saturday, March 28, 2026

Time: 11:00 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’s David Parsons will be your guide as you tour this historic landmark. The history of the city will reveal itself through the stories of the people who built it as we explore the lives of those buried in the Old City Cemetery. Tour is limited to 25 people, so please call to reserve your spot.

Open:

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

Some locations are by appointment only.

Discover our History, Heritage & Cultural Arts

‍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.

MUSEUMS

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

STILLMAN HOUSE MUSEUM

1325 E. Washington Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541.5560

LAURELES RANCH HOUSE MUSEUM

1501 East 7th Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541.5560

HISTORIC BROWNSVILLE MUSEUM

641 E Madison Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.548.1313

HISTORIC ALONSO BUILDING

510 E. Saint Charles Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.554.4965

LAURELES RANCH HOUSE MUSEUM

1501 East 7th Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541-5560

MARKET SQUARE EVENT HALL

625 East 12th St.

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541.5560

STILLMAN HOUSE GARDENS

1325 E. Washington Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541.5560

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

‍Historical Landmark: Old City Cemetery

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 January, February, and March programs possible: Dr. Anthony Knopp, Larry Holtzman, and the Beard Posse “Order of the Brush”.

EXHIBITS

Costumes of the Americas Museum Exhibit: “¡Bailamos!”

The exhibition will be on view from March 17, 2026 through August 21, 2026.

EVENTS

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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