Page 17 Rio Grande Valley Visitors Guide 2026-2027 commitment to the preservation and promotion of the history of Mission and Western Hidalgo County are reflected in its permanent exhibits located in the historic Shary Building, previously owned by citrus industry pioneer, John H. Shary. The museum’s Annex Building, constructed initially as Mission’s Post Office in the 1930s, is home to a New Deal Post Office Mural. Visitors can enjoy the museum’s temporary exhibits in this building and visit the Mission Memories Gift Shop. In addition to the historical exhibits, the museum hosts a variety of programs for the public throughout the year, including the Dia de los Muertos Folklife Festival, Summer Craft Days, MHM Lecture Series, and the Mission Quilt show. Admission to the Mission Historical Museum is always free! The museum is located at 900 Doherty Ave in Mission, Texas. Hours are Tuesday – Friday from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. and the second Saturday of every month from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Have a question? Drop by the museum or call at (956) 580-8646. Mission’s Butterfly Statues If you drive around the City of Mission you might notice something a little special. Every once in a while, you might just see a beautiful butterfly sculpture. Being home to the National Butterfly Center, it just seemed fitting for there to be butterflies of giant size around town to celebrate. These butterflies represent some of the 200 or more species that can be found in the area. What started as a small project in 2016 by then president of the Upper Valley Art League has now grown to over 40 sculptures throughout the City of Mission. When driving around downtown Mission, you are sure to see more than a handful of these butterfly sculptures. The butterfly is made of metal and rests on a detailed fiberglass leaf, while the antennae are made of a flexible wire to reduce breakage. A Queen Monarch at the city hall also features a chrysalis dangling underneath branches, suspended by a steel cable. Sculptures are paid for with donations from the businesses where they are located. Some locations include the Upper Valley Art League, Speer Memorial Library, Mission City Hall, and Lions Park. All sculptures include a leaf that gives just enough room to sit on for a picture. Although the Monarch is the most popular, you will also find sculptures of a Two Barrel Slasher, Malachite, Zebra Heliconian, Swallowtail, Tawny Emperor, and others. And they are not always painted the traditional butterfly colors; there is even one painted Dallas Cowboys colors at Tom Landry and Miller. Historic Bryan House The historic William Jennings Bryan House was built in 1909 as a winter farm home between Bryan’s three runs for presidency and becoming Secretary of State under Woodrow Wilson. The Bryan House was purchased and restored by Frank and Ariel King. It now hosts boutique weddings, special events, community events, a seasonal farmer’s market, catered ladies’ luncheons, meetings, retreats, historic heritage tours, photography shoots, bird and butterfly watching, and it is also a bed & breakfast. The Bryan House is located in Mission at 1113 E. Mile 2 Rd. More information can be found on the website at www.thebryanhouse.com, the Facebook page at William Jennings Bryan House – “The Bryan House”, or you can call (956) 330-7497.
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