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1325 E. Washington St. Brownsville, Texas 78520

1 (956) 541-5560

General Information button
Fiesta y Cultura! Exhibit
Ranch Days at Laureles
WWT: Old City Cemetery
Real Places 2024 Conference
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

956.547.6890

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

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.

READ MORE

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 January, February, and March programs possible: Dr. Anthony Knopp, Beard Posse “Order of the Brush”, B& E Art Studio: Rebecca Arguelles, and L&F Distributors.

EXHIBITS

Costumes of the Americas Exhibit: ¡Fiesta y Cultura!

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

Duration: January 9, 2024-June 7, 2024

Presenting over 20 textiles from the museum’s permanent collection, costume donations from local Brownsville residents, Fiesta y Cultura is an introduction to the traditional and culturally significant Charro Days celebration. Showcasing the cultural heritage of the region, the exhibit uses historic photographs and textiles to transport visitors back in time and immerse them in the cultural experiences of the past. The inclusion of traditional regional costumes from various parts of Mexico, such as Michoacán, Oaxaca, Yucatán, and Chiapas, as well as the iconic China Poblana dress and Charro suit, offers a comprehensive representation of Mexico’s diverse cultural tapestry. Fiesta y Cultura is an opportunity to learn about the traditions, clothing, and celebration that has been cherished for years and continues to be a source of pride for the Brownsville community.





EVENTS

Sip N’ Paint at Market Square

When: Thursday, March 21, 2024

Time: 6 - 8 p.m.

Where: Market Square Building, 625 East 12th Street

Cost: Individual tickets are $25 for members & $35 for non-members.

Sorry, no refunds.

Seating is limited; RSVP by calling: (956) 548-1313

Spend the evening at Market Square and follow along step-by-step with local artist Becky Arguelles as you create a one-of-a- kind masterpiece while you sip on your drink of choice. Fee includes the following materials: paint, canvas, easel, and brushes. The event will begin promptly, so please arrive 15 minutes early to check in and find a seat. Event open for those 21 years old and over. Please follow us on our social media platforms for more information. Thank you to L&F Distributors for making this program possible.


Winter Walking Tour: Old City Cemetery

When: Saturday, March 23, 2024

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

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.


“Ranch Days” at Laureles

When: Every Saturday in March

Time: 9 a.m. to 12 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. Visit our Facebook and Instagram for more information and details for “Ranch Days”.






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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