Brenham Heritage Museum

09/01/2026

08/31/2026

📢 PSA from the Brenham Heritage Museum:

In an age of mass communication and digital images, it is easy to forget the importance of physical photographs. But even the framed portraits hanging in your home today may someday become a relic, and it is a sad truth that, without names and dates, the people pictured can quickly become unknown. 🖼️

Please set aside a little time to label the backs of your treasured photographs with names, dates, locations, and family relationships whenever possible. You may know exactly who is pictured now, but future generations may not. Someday, these precious artifacts may even find their way into a museum collection like ours.

Our staff and volunteers work hard to identify unlabeled photographs through research, local resources, and community knowledge, but a fun story about an aunt or uncle, spoken but not written down, will not last forever. A simple note on the back of a photograph, or a label safely stored alongside it, can help ensure a family story is not lost to time.

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08/31/2026

The Dr. Wilfred Dietrich Speaker Series continues this Friday with another fascinating presentation on our local history.

On Friday, September 4, 2026, Dr. John Lundberg, PhD, returns to the Brenham Heritage Museum to present: "Reconstruction in Washington County."

About the Program:
This presentation examines the turbulent years following the Civil War through a local lens, revealing how national policies and grassroots realities collided in one Texas community. Presented by subject matter expert Dr. John Lundberg, PhD, this lecture explores the struggles of formerly enslaved people seeking freedom and citizenship, the tensions between federal authority and local resistance, and the political, social, and economic transformations that reshaped Washington County. Through compelling stories and historical insight, Dr. Lundberg illuminates how Reconstruction unfolded on the ground, marked by both progress and backlash, and why its legacy continues to resonate today.

Details:
Date: Friday, September 4, 2026
Time: Members-only reception with light bites and refreshments at 5:30 pm, program from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Location: Brenham Heritage Museum, 105 South Market Street, Brenham, TX 77833
Admission: free for members and $15 for non-members

This program is supported by Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed during this program do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities or Humanities Texas.

08/27/2026

Introducing Cistern & Secrets: A Masked Heritage Gala, the new name for the Brenham Heritage Museum’s Third Annual Fall Fundraiser.

Step into an evening of mystery, allure, and intrigue, inspired by Brenham’s hidden histories and architectural character. Enjoy premium cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres, live music, gaming tables, silent and live auctions, and exclusive surprises throughout the night. Formerly known as "The Order," this secret-society-themed fundraiser will truly be unforgettable.

Black-tie attire is requested, with rich, elegant hues and masks highly encouraged.

You won't want to miss out.

Saturday, November 7, 2026
6:00–10:00 p.m.
Ant Street Inn, Brenham, TX

Event Co-Chairs: Robert Flanagan and Brad Tegeler

Sponsorship opportunities are available now. Individual tickets go on sale in September. Become an event sponsor: www.bhmtexas.org/fallgala

08/26/2026

Something we often hear from Brenham locals is that they have driven past the museum “1,000 times” but have never stopped in. Once they do, they are always amazed by what we have nestled in the heart of downtown. Next time you have a day to relax, come visit our beautifully restored building and experience the state-of-the-art interactive exhibits that celebrate and make us proud of our community. | bhmtexas.org

Visit Brenham/Washington County, Texas, Downtown Brenham

08/25/2026

Visitors Krista Miller and her father, Keith Miller, recently made an unexpected discovery at the Brenham Heritage Museum: a family trunk belonging to Krista’s great-great-grandfather, Hermann Hemann.

The trunk had entered the Museum’s collection through a separate donor, making its connection to the Miller family a positive surprise. Hermann Hemann traveled from Bremen, Germany, to Galveston on September 3, 1882, before making his way to Brenham in Washington County, Texas.

This trunk remains the centerpiece of the permanent European Immigration Kiosk, a steady reminder of Brenham’s significantly German roots.

08/24/2026

Tonight at BHM: Undertold Texas: Part II - presented by Mike Vance!

The program will include a Texas German Civil War story and history about the early days of Texas aviation, an emerging 19th-century technology, and the first declaration of Texas independence.

Location: 105 South Market Street
Time: Members-Only Reception at 5:30 pm
Lecture: 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Books will be available for sale at this event while supplies last.

This program is supported by Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed during this program do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities or Humanities Texas.

08/21/2026

Despite its rural setting, the Brenham Heritage Museum is making a huge impact on visitors. One recent reviewer even called it “one of the best in the country.”

If you have enjoyed your visit, please leave us a five-star review! Your support helps others discover the rich stories of Washington County and makes a meaningful difference in our online visibility.

Plan your trip today! Visit: www.bhmtexas.org