Brownsville Historical Association Menu Icon
Brownsville Historical Association logo

1325 E. Washington St. Brownsville, Texas 78520

1 (956) 541-5560

General Information button

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

Blue Star Museums | National Endowment for the Arts

Blue Star Museums is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families, in collaboration with the Department of Defense and museums across America, offering free admission to the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve. The 2024 Blue Star Museums program begins on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 18, 2024 and ends on Labor Day, Monday, September 2, 2024.

READ MORE

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

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

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

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 July, August, and September programs possible:  Dean Porter Park Renovation Inc. (DPPR) committee - Mellena Conner, MuseWork, The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC), Starbase Brewing, Texas Embers, Chasing Camilla-Melissa Rojas and JC Frias from The Pink Casa.

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. 





EVENTS

“Brownsville On the Move” Project Announcement/Open House

When: Thursday, July 18, 2024

Time: 6:00 p.pm

Where: Historic Brownsville Museum, 641 E. Madison Street

Cost: Free and open to the public

We’ve got some exciting news! Join us in making "Brownsville on the Move" a reality.  We have a big vision for our museum, and we need your help to make it happen. Meet us at the Historic Brownsville Museum to learn more about how we can connect Brownsville residents and visitors with a deeper, more engaging, and more relevant telling of our history.  The reinterpretation of exhibit displays and interactives will change what students and adults think about a history museum! We invite you to come see our brief presentation and tour the museum. This project was made possible in part by: Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation, An Economic Development Corporation & MuseWork


Historical Happy Hour: Game Night

When: Friday, July 19, 2024

Time: 5 - 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

It’s game time! Join us at this month’s Historical Happy Hour for a night filled with your favorite board games. Feel free to bring your own as well. Attendees must be 21 years & older. 


Happy Birthday Amelia! Amelia Earhart Birthday Celebration

When: Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Time: 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Where: Historic Brownsville Museum, 641 E. Madison Street

Cost: Free and open to the public

Amelia Earhart's ties to Brownsville's rich aviation history were cemented in 1929, when she greeted Charles Lindbergh after his historic flight from Mexico City. In Brownsville, she earned her commercial pilot's license, becoming only the fourth American woman to do so. Our city played a significant role in shaping her illustrious career. Join us in wishing Amelia Earhart a Happy 127th Birthday! We will have cake, activities, and more to honor Amelia’s legacy.










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 

This website makes use of cookies. Please see our privacy policy for details.

Deny

OK