This year, the McAllen Heritage Center is celebrating 20 years of providing a place for the community to enjoy learning about and preserving McAllen’s past. Special events will be planned in the fall.
The thought of the museum started in 2004 during the McAllen centennial festivities that were held and included a gala celebrating McAllen’s 100 years. Due to the success of those events, centennial committee members, and others, thought it was time to help preserve more of McAllen’s history and help the community learn about that history as well.
In early 2006 a not-for-profit corporation was founded. From 2006 to 2008, the founding board of trustees completed the work involved in the establishment of the museum and held fundraisers to fund the initial operations of the museum.
The diligence and dedication of co-founders Elva M. Cerda, Dr. Nedra Kinerk, Spurgeon “Spud Brown” and former and present board of trustees have resulted in a remarkable museum for McAllen. Cerda served as volunteer museum manager since the museum’s origination and now serves as Executive Director. Her vision and management skills have been instrumental in their success. Brown continues to serve as the museum historian. Dr. Kinerk made a lasting impact with her contributions as a board member and supporter until her passing in May 2025.
MHC opened to the public in June 2008 at the beautiful and historic former McAllen Post Office which was built in 1934 in downtown McAllen located at the corner of Main St. and Chicago. The building is a historic landmark designated by the Texas Historical Commission.
MHC has accomplished much to be proud of, including but not limited to, the expansion of historical exhibits, and development of rotating exhibits in partnership with Humanities Texas, The Valley Land Fund, Museum of South Texas History, the Bob Bullock museum, and the UTRGV Chaps Program and others.
In 2020, a major renovation at the south end of the building resulted in new restroom facilities, meeting room, expanded exhibit area and laundry area. Entrances to the remodeled areas were enhanced by the gorgeous tile work murals commissioned by the museum of local artist, Yolanda Cantu. They also completed beautification projects for the exterior of the facility including the La Placita Park and “Greetings from McAllen” mural dedication and new outdoor spotlights. The beautiful mural and photo spot is a rendition of a circa 1930’s postcard and was commissioned by MHC to a local artist, Lupe Hernandez.
The Museum has a store that is also online. Proceeds directly benefit the MHC mission. Inventory includes an array of historical books, books by local authors, works by local artisans and more. Some of the museum’s special events include the annual Chuckwagon Dinner fundraiser, McGrinch in the Park, and the annual Veterans Then and Now photo shoot and exhibit. A newer event is the Royal Tea at the Heritage, slated this year for September 19.
Due to expanded displays more gallery space, work area, and storage needs were necessary and thus expansion plans began in 2020. The project currently known as “The Annex” has made progress with support from the city and successful fundraising goals, the museum anticipates a groundbreaking by late 2026 on the two-level building.
The future for MHC is filled with new possibilities and opportunities which will result in continued service for the community in honor of the city’s history and historic preservation in beautiful downtown McAllen. For more information, call the museum at (956) 687-1904, visit www.mcallenheritagecenter.com or the social pages. MHC is open to the public free of charge and there is a dedicated parking area directly behind the main museum building. Operating hours are Wednesday through Friday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
