Museum Guide News
Since 1947, the Brownsville Historical Association 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 serve the community through our various museums (featured below) that cover nearly every aspect of Brownsville and the Rio Grande Valley’s history and culture. 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.
BHA, features four museums: The Brownsville Heritage Museum portrays visual images of the historical evolution of the city and surrounding regions from discovery and exploration up to the first half of the 20th Century. The photographs, maps, costumes, and artifacts provide a unique perspective on various aspects of Brownsville life, ranging from street scenes and education to transportation and ranching. The Brownsville Heritage Museum hosts numerous presentations, musical performances, and book signings throughout the year.
The Stillman House Museum is among the oldest surviving structures in Brownsville. The house seen today is the result of additions made by the Trevino family during their time in the house. The original windows, shutters, and doors are still in place and the breezy courtyards enjoyed by the Stillman and Trevino families still offer a respite from the hot Texas sun.
The Historic Brownsville Museum is located at the old Southern Pacific Railroad Depot. Built-in 1928, the Southern Pacific Railroad Depot is recognized as a Texas Historical Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Inside the depot, the museum details the events that led to Brownsville's establishment and display temporary exhibits that highlight various topics related to local history.
The Laureles Ranch House Museum once belonged to the founder of Brownsville, Charles Stillman. Now in its new home, located in Linear Park, the fully restored home offers a rustic setting for parties and special events. Largely used for the outside porch space and the grounds outside the home, this house setting is a unique venue.
Lastly, The Costumes of America Museum is the world of Josefa Ibarra, a woman whose vibrant spirit and fierce dedication to artistry reshaped the landscape of Mexican fashion. Josefa Ibarra, often hailed as "the mother of Mexican fashion design," was born on April 12, 1919. Known for her innovative and avant-garde approach to clothing design, Josefa’s work is characterized by a kaleidoscope of bold colors, unconventional silhouettes, and a fearless embrace of new materials and textures for decades. Today, Ibarra's unique vision has earned her a reputation as a trailblazer in the fashion industry.
We look forward to welcoming you at our Brownsville Museums, please see our website for our museums hours and our online gift shop and to plan a visit: https://www.brownsvillehistory.org/
