About the Museum
The Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history and cultural spirit of Harlingen and the Rio Grande Valley. Through engaging exhibits, educational programs, and community events, the museum celebrates the people, industries, and traditions that shaped the region.
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Visitors can explore five unique sites on the museum grounds—the original H.E.B. Historic Building, the Lon C. Hill Home, the first Harlingen Hospital, the Paso Real Stagecoach Inn replica, and the Visitor Center and Exhibit Hall. Each tells a story of innovation, resilience, and community pride.
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The museum’s collections include historic artifacts, documents, and artworks that connect past generations with the present, offering a vibrant look at local life from the early 1900s to today. In addition to preserving history, the museum serves as a cultural hub for the community, hosting rotating art exhibits, educational tours, and beloved annual events such as the Taste of Harlingen, Día de los Muertos Altar Exhibit, and the Christmas Tree Extravaganza.
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Free and open to the public, the Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum invites residents and visitors alike to celebrate the Valley’s creative and cultural legacy.
RGV Museum Association
The Rio Grande Valley Museum Association (RGVMA) is the nonprofit organization that supports and sustains the Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum. Through membership dues, fundraising events, and volunteer efforts, the Association helps maintain the museum’s historic buildings and collections, funds preservation projects, and coordinates educational outreach.
Its members are champions of local history—ensuring that the stories, artifacts, and architecture that define Harlingen’s past continue to inspire and educate the community today.
RGV Hispanic Genealogical Society
The Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Genealogical Society is a nonprofit organization that meets at the Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum and is dedicated to preserving and promoting Hispanic genealogy research throughout the community. The society works to protect genealogical records, expand research resources, and encourage individuals to explore their own family history.
Whether members are just beginning their journey or have years of experience, the society proudly offers guidance, support, and educational opportunities to help others connect with their heritage.
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For more information visit the RGVHGS website.
Mission Statement
To celebrate Harlingen’s heritage and our community’s culture through presentation, education, and programming.
