Interactive History

Teamwork goes a long way. The Brownsville Historical Association can attest to that.

With the help of the City of Brownsville and the Brownsville Community Improvement Cooperation, history at the BHA will become technologically savvy.

The Brownsville Historical Association was awarded a Preserve America grant.

The grant will go towards the enhancement of Brownsville-21; a technology based heritage tourism program.

The $130,000 grant is something Executive Director Priscilla Rodriguez envisioned when she signed on.

“I’m excited it was something I envisioned when I took on the job two years ago. New ways to introduce history to new audience that is more tech savvy,” she said.

Last Thursday, Mayor Pat M. Ahumada Jr., Rodriguez, and officials from the city and BCIC traveled to Washington D.C. to accept the grant.

First Lady Laura Bush, who is Honorary Chair of Preserve America, presented to award to Ahumada, who accepted the award on behalf of the city.

The grant will allow the BHA to purchase nine kiosks placed at historical sites in Brownsville.

“They will be placed on downtown tours, so people will know the specific places of buildings that are along the trails, photo history and the architectural significance,” Rodriguez said.

So far, five spots have been selected for the kiosk the Stillman House, the old city cemetery, the fire station, city plaza, and Market Square.

Rodriguez said the remaining four have yet to be confirmed.

“All the information will be accessible at any one of these sites,” she said.

Rodriguez said the technology would usher in a new audience.

“Heritage tourism is the fastest growing segment of tourism industries. When you think of history, you think of programs geared toward older audiences and it’s very traditional. That is important, but it is important to explore new technology,” Rodriguez said.

The project is an extension of Brownsville-21, which is in the process of enhancing BHA’s walking tours.

MP3s, compact discs, and bilingual DVDs will be implemented to enhance walking and driving tours.

“That is in phase one. We are working on a script; it is a long process. We should have it within the year,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez is pleased with the alliance the BHA has created.

“It is always better to work with partners you can accomplish so much more. If the BHA was working alone, we would still be offering walking tours,” she said.

The kiosks are expected to be running within the next two years.