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.
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 War and museums across America, offering free admission to the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve. The 2026 program runs from Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 16, 2026, through Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2026.
Register now for the BHA’s Time Travelers Camp! Please complete the form by clicking button below. You may deliver the registration form to the Historic Brownsville Museum (641 E. Madison St.) or email the form to jgarcia@brownsvillehistory.org. Full payment is required at time of the registration to reserve your child’s space. Sorry, no refunds. The registration fee is $75 per child for all five days. Please click on the button below to download the Time Travelers Camp Participation Registration and Release form (PDF).
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.
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 April, May and June programs possible. These include: Maren Fruia, Emanuel Hernandez, Sylvia Solis, Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, Consulado de Carrera de Mexico en Brownsville, Juan Velez, Ramiro Gonzalez, Fernando Balli, Trey Mendez, Carlos Varela, Allison and Dennis Acosta, and the Revival of Cultural Arts (ROCA).
EXHIBITS
Costumes of the Americas Museum Exhibit: “¡Bailamos!”
Location: Costumes of the Americas Museum, 1004 E. Sixth Street
Duration: March 17 through August 21, 2026
Cost: Paid museum admission required.
¡Bailamos! Explores Mexican dances as a vibrant and meaningful expression of culture. Through a dynamic presentation of traditional, ceremonial, and folklorico 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.
This program is supported by Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Portions of this exhibit were made possible by the partnership and support of the Consulado de México en Brownsville and Revival of Cultural Arts (ROCA).
EVENTS
Nailed it! A Journey through Preservation: Historic Downtown Brownsville
Where: Hicks Livery Stable, 1015 E. Adams St.
When: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Time: Tour starts at 10 a.m., Luncheon at 12N
Cost: $65 Includes Walking Tour and Lunch.
$5 dollars off per reservation for current BHA members.
In honor of Preservation Month the BHA is featuring an exclusive architectural walking tour with Brownsville’s Historic Preservation Officer, Juan Velez. The tour offers a behind the scenes look at four historic structures followed by a luncheon. (Meet at the Hicks Livery Stable for check in 15 minutes before tour start time) Join us for an exclusive tour of the following historic structures:
1. Hicks Livery Stable/Besteiro Building
2. Borderland Furniture Building (Coca-Cola Building)
3. The Cameron Hotel
4. El Alamo Store/Bouis Residence
Please RSVP by calling (956) 548-1313 or send an email to alopez@brownsvillehistory.org
International Museum Day
When: Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: Heritage Museum/Stillman House Museum, Costumes of the Americas Museum and Historic Brownsville Museum
Cost: FREE Admission Day!
For more information, please call: 956-548-1313
The International Council of Museums (ICOM) established International Museum Day in 1977 to increase public awareness of the role of museums in the development of society, and it has been steadily gaining momentum ever since. We hope that you bring your friends and family to visit our museums free of charge all DAY!
Memorial Day at the Old City Cemetery
When: May 23, 2026
Where: Old City Cemetery, Corner of 5th Street & E. Madison Street
For more information or if you would like to volunteer on Saturday morning, May 23rd , to place flags, please call Dave Parsons at (956) 541-5560 or CLICK HERE to register as a volunteer.
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 represent both Union and Confederate Soldiers and several from the Mexican Revolution of the early 1900s. A U.S. flag will be placed on each identified veterans’ grave. Volunteers to place flags are welcome. Please CLICK HERE to register as a volunteer.
BHA Kids Summer Camp: Discover Brownsville History
Tuesday June 9th - 9:00 am - Saturday 13th - 12:00 pm
Time: 9 am - 12 pm. Ages 8-12.
Visit the Historic Museums, learn about South Texas wildlife, take Historic Downtown Walking Tours, and enjoy a wide range of activities. $75 per child for 5 days of camp! Limit to 20 children. Sorry, no refunds. Deadline to register is June 2nd by 4 pm. Please sign-up and register now! Call (956) 548-1313 or email jgarcia@brownsvillehistory.org
Where: Historic Alonso Building, 510 E Saint Charles Street
When: Friday, June 26, 2026
Time: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Cost: Free for BHA members, $15 when you RSVP, $20 at the door. Sorry, no refunds. RSVP by calling: (956) 548-1313
Commemorate America’s 250th a week early at our Historical Happy Hour. Join us as we celebrate America’s 250th Birthday by wearing red, white and blue! This event is open to the public and for adults 21 years old and older only.
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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