The Weslaco Museum's vision strives to instill in the citizens of the Mid-Valley area pride and appreciation of their history and culture; to be a unique cultural, educational, and information resource for the City of Weslaco, and to become an important tourist destination.
During the late 1960’s, civic leaders requested that various clubs and businesses gather family histories and historical artifacts to help the City of Weslaco celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 1969. This collection provided a historical resource for the publication of a book about Weslaco’s early years and stimulated the leaders of several social and service clubs to find a permanent home for the artifacts. In 1971, the museum received its state charter as a non-profit organization and occupied the first of several homes provided initially by private businesses, and then by the City of Weslaco.
In January 1986 the museum moved into the old city library at 515 S. Kansas after the new Weslaco City Library was built next door. This larger, permanent home allowed the museum to greatly enlarge its collections and increase its activities. The citizens of Weslaco have provided financial support and volunteers continuously since its inception. The Weslaco Museum is supported by over 50 volunteers, a governing board of directors, and the Museum Guild, organized in 1980, which provides docents and helps staff the museum during the hours it is open to the public. The City of Weslaco provided the building and paid the museum coordinator and two assistants, utilities and maintenance.
When the exhibits, historical collections and archives became too numerous to house in the old library, the Museum Board of Directors began looking for a new home. In 2003, the former Edelstein Furniture Store building at 500 S. Texas Boulevard in the heart of downtown Weslaco became available, and the Edelstein family graciously donated much of the cost of the building. Many people and organizations contributed funds for its renovation.
Mission:
Our mission is to collect, preserve, exhibit and promote the history, cultural arts, and past traditions of Weslaco, TX and its surrounding region.
