Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
The McAllen Museum, located in the heart of South Texas, has long been the hub of preserving heritage, promoting culture, and narrating the town’s incredible journey. Elva Cerda, a proud executive director of the museum, has shown many great surprises while celebration it’s 15th Anniversary.
During the event, we had the opportunity to talk with Tony Aguirre, a McAllen City Commissioner, on the significance and future plans for this cultural cornerstone.
Aguirre expressed his immense pride in the museum, a place that deeply resonates with the history, aspirations, and achievements of McAllen’s citizens. “This museum touches the lives of many people for various things, some in education, some in talent, of singing, of music, some that volunteered and went to war,” he shared.
The commissioner acknowledged the rich diversity that McAllen’s culture embodies, acknowledging the contributions from European, South American, Mexican, and Asian communities. He emphasized the importance of everyone understanding the town’s evolution and the cultural melting pot that led to its current identity.
Reflecting on the business pioneers who established the dry goods stores, hardware stores, and funeral homes, Aguirre paid homage to the growth that started downtown and gradually spread in all directions. He also pointed out the pressing need for space expansion at the museum to house significant items and pictures collected over the years.
Excitingly, an expansion program is already in place. The annex, intended to accommodate an ever-growing array of memorabilia, will maintain the museum’s warm atmosphere and respect for heritage while accommodating future developments.
Aguirre reminisced about his childhood in South McAllen, where he would sell newspapers near the very spot the museum now stands. His attachment to the area gives him a deep appreciation for its growth and transformation.
Aguirre extended a warm invitation to all newcomers in the town to visit the McAllen Museum. “We welcome you. But come and give a little time of yourselves and look at what you had back home. If you had a good town, you’re coming into another good town.”
Through these candid conversations and memories, the McAllen Museum continues to foster an understanding of our shared heritage, bridging past and future in an ongoing story of cultural evolution.
