Museum of South Texas in Edinburg, TX

Parents who are looking for educational places to take their children should consider introducing them to the wonders of museums. Visiting museums gives children an appreciation for history, art, and culture. One excellent museum in the Rio Grande Valley is the Museum of South Texas. Blending the heritage of South Texas and Northeastern Mexico, the Museum of South Texas has welcomed visitors through its doors since 1967. Its first home was inside the old Hidalgo County Jail which was built in 1910. Today, the jail continues to be one of the most important sections of the museum. In 2003, the museum completed a $5.5 million renovation. A 22,500 square foot wing was added to the existing structure, including a gift shop, a Grand Lobby, and permanent exhibits. Located in Edinburg, TX, this unique museum offers a variety of exhibits ranging from prehistoric fossils to steamboat replicas. People interested in the combined culture of Mexico and the Rio Grande Valley can learn about the prehistory and history of the area.

Educational programs offered by the museum often include hands-on activities, lectures, demonstrations, and book signings. The museum has an outreach program where museum staff visits libraries and schools to teach kids about South Texas and Mexican history. A variety of events are scheduled for 2007-2008. Among them is a presentation on Jose Clemente Orozco, a Mexican Social Realist artist. The special event will be held, Sunday, January 13, 2008.

After viewing the variety of exhibits within the museum, many choose to visit the museum's gift shop, featuring antique replicas, toys for children, and jewelry. Visitors can choose from a selection of books on Texas history, culture, regional history, Mexico, and literature.

Those who fall in love with the Museum of South Texas should consider becoming a FRIEND. FRIENDS of the museum receive several benefits, including free admission, a 10% discount on all gift shop merchandise, discounted admission to special museum events, a free subscription to the museum's newsletter entitled Borderlines, invitations to museum events, and other perks.

The museum is open Sunday through Saturday, is closed on Mondays, and has varying hours of operation. The museum offers scheduled tours Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. School groups are encouraged to visit the museum. Adult tickets are $4.00, senior citizens are $3.00, students are $2.50, and children 4-12 are admitted for $1.50. Children three and under are admitted for free. On Saturdays, the museum is free between the hours of 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. This excludes special event Saturdays. For more information, visit www.mosthistory.org.