Brownsville Historical Association logo

Open:

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

Some locations are by appointment only.

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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.

MUSEUMS

BROWNSVILLE HERITAGE MUSEUM

1325 E. Washington Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541.5560

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COSTUMES OF THE AMERICAS MUSEUM

1004 E. Sixth Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.525.7252

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STILLMAN HOUSE MUSEUM

1325 E. Washington Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541.5560

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LAURELES RANCH HOUSE MUSEUM

1501 East 7th Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541.5560

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HISTORIC BROWNSVILLE MUSEUM

 641 E Madison Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.548.1313

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HISTORIC ALONSO BUILDING

510 E. Saint Charles Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.554.4965

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MARKET SQUARE EVENT HALL

625 East 12th St.

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541.5560

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RENTALS

MARY A. YTURRIA EDUCATION CENTER AT HISTORIC BROWNSVILLE MUSEUM

 641 E Madison Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541.5560

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LAURELES RANCH HOUSE MUSEUM

1501 East 7th Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541-5560

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STILLMAN HOUSE GARDENS

1325 E. Washington Street

Brownsville, TX 78520

956.541.5560

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‍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.

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”.

Closed December 31, 2025, and January 1, 2026 for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day

Charro Days Museum Hours

The Historic Brownsville Museum, located at 641 E. Madison and the Costumes of the Americas Museum, located at 1004 E. Sixth St., will be closed Thursday through Saturday, February 26 – February 28, 2026.

The Heritage and Stillman House Museums, located at 1325 E. Washington Street, will close EARLY on Wednesday, February 25th at 1pm, OPEN Friday, February 27th, and CLOSE ALL DAY Saturday, February 28th.  

EXHIBITS

Costumes of the Americas Museum Exhibit: “Celebrating 20 years: Costumes of the Americas Museum”

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

Duration: On display through March 10, 2026

Cost: Included with paid museum admission.

This anniversary exhibit reflects on the 20-year journey of the Costumes of the Americas Museum. From its grassroots beginnings, founded by a dedicated group of women passionate about preserving cultural traditions, to becoming a space for education and connection, the museum has grown far beyond its original vision. Celebrating 20 Years highlights the individuals who shaped its story, showcases select costumes from the museum’s rich collection, and traces the evolution of its mission to celebrate the diverse costumes and traditions of Mexico, Central America, and South America. Visitors are invited to explore how this small museum became a vibrant cultural cornerstone in our community. Celebrating 20 Years will be on display at the Costumes of the Americas Museum on display through March 10, 2026. 

EVENTS

Department 56 Miniature Holiday Village Exhibit

When: On display through January 17, 2026

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!


BHA Annual Membership Meeting and Special Exhibit Reception of the Costumes of the Americas Museum Exhibit: “Celebrating 20 Years: Costumes of the Americas Museum”

When: Thursday, January 15, 2026

Meeting: 5:30 p.m. 

Reception: 6:00 p.m.

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

For more information call: (956) 548-1313

Current members of the BHA are invited to attend the Annual Membership Meeting. An exhibit reception will follow for: “Celebrating 20 Years: Costumes of the Americas Museum”.  The Costumes of the Americas Museum will be open for viewing.


Winter Walking Tour: Historic Downtown 

When: Friday, January 30, 2026

Time: 11:00 a.m.

Where: Meet at the Brownsville Heritage Museum , 1325 E. Washington Street

Cost: $10 for BHA members and $15 for non-members. Sorry, no refunds. Rain or shine.

RSVP by calling: (956) 541-5560

Brownsville is one of the most historic cities in the state of Texas. Venture out with BHA Board member, Dr. Anthony Knopp, through the streets of downtown Brownsville. He will highlight important structures that date back to the city’s founding and tour the Historic Fire Station on Adams Street.  Tour is limited to 25 people so save your spot soon!


Winter Walking Tour: Hebrew Cemetery

When: Thursday, February 5, 2026

Time: 10:00 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.

RSVP by calling: (956) 548-1313

BHA Board Member, Larry Holtzman, will be your guide as you tour the Historic Hebrew Cemetery, founded in 1868. The history ofthe city will reveal itself through the stories of those buried there. The Hebrew Cemetery tour is limited to ten people per tour, so please call to reserve your spot soon!


Winter Walking Tour: Charro Days Tour

When: Friday, February 6, 2026

Time: 11:00 a.m.

Where: Meet at the Heritage Museum, 1325 E. Washington Street

Cost: $10 for BHA members and $15 for non-members. Sorry, no refunds. Rain or shine.

RSVP by calling: (956) 541-5560

BHA Board Member, Dr. Anthony Knopp, will lead you through the original Charro Days parade route on Levee Street plus tour Charro Days Headquarters! Tour is limited to 25 people so please make your reservation soon!


Historical Happy Hour: Viva Order of the Brush!

When: Friday, February 20, 2026

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

Where: Historic Brownsville Museum, 641 E. Madison Street

Cost: Free for BHA members, $15 when you RSVP, $20 at the door. Sorry, no refunds.

RSVP by calling: (956) 548-1313

Come celebrate with the BHA as we kick off Charro Days at the Historic Brownsville Museum! Enter to win our Charro Days themed raffle basket! Event is open to those aged 21 years old and over. 

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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