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20230208 Furniture that built Porciones Map webThe Museum of South Texas History presents the spotlight exhibit, “Furniture that Built the Valley,” debuting Tuesday, February 14.

The museum has a variety of beautiful furniture in its collections, each with an interesting story to tell. “Furniture that Built the Valley” will share the story of three South Texas families through a piece of furniture that was donated from each family.

A spindled four-poster bed from the Vela family will be on display. This bed was passed down to several generations from Salvador and Leonor Vela, who were parents of Macedonio Vela, the founder of Laguna Seca Ranch, just north of Edinburg.

The Jacksons, a mixed-race family who owned acres of land south of Pharr and San Juan, donated a pump organ that was used to play hymns of worship in their ranch church, which still stands today.

Among the furniture collections is the intricately carved desk that saw the business dealings of the Bentsen brothers, Lloyd and Elmer. And later, Thomas Cross. It was donated by his daughter, Jane Cross.

These pieces are preserved at the museum to shape the stories of people who built the Rio Grande Valley to what it is today.

“Furniture that Built the Valley” opens Tuesday, February 14 and closes Sunday, May 28. This exhibit is included in the regular museum admission fees. Museum hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about the exhibit, please contact Collections and Exhibits Coordinator Melissa Peña at (956) 383-6911 or mjpena@mosthistory.org.

The Museum of South Texas History is located downtown Edinburg at 200 North Closner Boulevard on the Hidalgo County Courthouse square. For more information about MOSTH, including becoming a FRIEND, visit MOSTHistory.org, like us on Facebook and Instagram, follow on Twitter, find on YouTube or call (956) 383-6911.

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