When History Smiles Back: The Secret Joys of a Saturday at the Museum

By Sandy Pollock, MOSTHistory Communications Officer

For years, the Museum of South Texas History’s Speaker Series has brought the rich history of our region to life. Back when we were known as the Hidalgo County Historical Museum, presenters such as Mark Glazer, a Pan American University anthropologist and author of Flour from Another Sack & Other Proverbs, Folk Beliefs, Tales, Riddles & Recipes, captivated audiences with his deep dive into local folklore and traditions. That was in the 1970s. Today, as a regional museum, we explore the voices and stories that define a broader borderlands heritage.

In early 2025, our long-running Speaker Series, once a Sunday afternoon tradition, moved to Saturdays at 11 a.m., aligning perfectly with our free Saturday morning admission from 10 a.m. to noon. This change has brought a new rhythm to our weekends, inviting more people to drop in, stay a little longer, and start their day with a story worth remembering.

Some Saturdays, you might hear a rancher describing life along the river in the 1950s. Other weeks, a historian might uncover a forgotten chapter of Valley politics, or an artist might share the meaning behind their work. Whether the topic is rooted in family history, local culture, or major events that shaped South Texas, the stories have a way of drawing people in and sparking conversations that continue long after the talk ends.

The magic lies not just in the stories, but in the people who gather to hear them. You will see old friends reconnecting in the lobby, newcomers introducing themselves over shared curiosity, and families leaning in together to listen. It is living proof that history is not something locked away in a display case. It is alive, breathing, and best experienced side by side.

The Saturday Speaker Series reflects the museum’s mission to preserve and share the history of the Rio Grande Valley. By bringing together storytellers and audiences, we not only safeguard the voices and experiences of our region but also ensure they remain part of today’s conversations.

We have hosted authors, educators, veterans, farmers, artists, and elders whose voices might never make the headlines but deserve to be heard. More often than not, audience members share their own memories, adding another layer to the history being told.

That is the secret joy of a Saturday at MOSTHistory: you come for a talk and leave carrying a little more of your community with you.

If you have not joined us yet, consider this your invitation. Admission is free on Saturday mornings, the doors open at 10, and the stories begin at 11. Come see how history comes alive.