Founded in 1981, Brownsville Heritage House Inc. (BHH) is a hidden gem nestled on the second floor of the Stone Avenue Library. It's a treasure trove of Black culture and beloved by many.

A visit to Brownsville Heritage House invites guests into a space of discovery and reflection. Visitors are encouraged to explore at their own pace, engage with stories that illuminate the community’s past and present, and connect with exhibitions that spark curiosity and conversation. Through immersive displays, cultural programs, and opportunities for hands‑on learning, guests experience a sense of belonging and inspiration.

We aim for every visitor to leave with new insights, a deeper appreciation for the heritage of Brownsville, and a lasting connection to the people and narratives that shape our shared history. Whether encountering art, artifacts, or community voices, each guest becomes part of an ongoing dialogue that honors the past while imagining the future.

Brownsville Heritage House Inc.

Join us for An Unforgettable Night

Saturday, March 28, 2026

7PM - MIDNIGHT

ATTIRE: BLACK TIE FORMAL

GLEN TERRACE

5313 AVENUE N

BROOKLYN, NY 11234

YOU ARE INVITED

Experience an evening of elegance and purpose, where every moment supports the growth and renewal of Brownsville Heritage House Inc. Your presence helps sustain vital programs, celebrate culture, uplift youth, and preserve the stories that shape Brownsville’s past, present, and future.

The gala is a tribute to community pride—an intimate night of connection and impact that strengthens a legacy meant to endure for generations. Click image for more information.

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Black HistoryMonth

Celebrated in both the United States and Canada, this month is a dedicated time to honor the profound contributions and resilience of the diaspora of Black individuals throughout centuries of struggle. It provides a formal space to recognize the progress achieved and celebrates the ongoing, transformative impact that Black communities continue to have on every facet of modern society.

Beyond celebration, the observance encourages deep education and awareness by inviting the public to explore Black histories far beyond the scope of slavery and racism. It focuses on a richer tapestry of migration, cultural innovation, and community-building, which is essential for understanding how past events directly shape our current social and political realities.

Black History Month promotes critical reflection on systemic inequality, serving as an annual reminder to examine the structures where racism persists today. By showcasing the work of individuals and organizations striving for equity, it inspires a renewed and collective commitment to the ongoing pursuit of justice and social reform.

Finally, these commemorations strengthen identity, unity, and community by affirming heritage and empowering individuals. This collective recognition fosters meaningful dialogue and connection, building a shared commitment to progress that benefits and unites the entire nation.

BHH encourages you to show up for your community by attending local events, supporting reputable non‑profits through volunteering or donations, and uplifting Black‑owned businesses—not only this month, but as a lasting commitment in the years ahead.


Our journey has been anything but ordinary. Through every step, we've focused on staying true to our values and making space for thoughtful, lasting work in the community.

Art Showcases

We showcase the works of local artists with immersive installations and special events.

Music Events

BHH regularly hosts jazz performances and other family-friendly concerts.

Children’s Corner

BHH seeks to involve the youth in shared cultural experiences.

Mother Gaston’s Personal Collections

BHH houses artifacts and documents collected by Mother Gaston over several decades.

Mother Gaston personal evening bag

Permanent Collection

There are many objects, artifacts, and pieces of art that we permanently maintain and preserve.

Archival Collections

Our archives contain objects that we preserve for future access for researchers as memory aids.

Rare Books and Periodicals

Our rare books offer tangible links to the past.

Reference Library and other Special Collections

Our collection includes books that provide a look at Brownsville's history and its people.

Institutional Records

We maintain records such as financial records, reports, meeting minutes, publicity materials, and newsletters.

Individuals

We welcome solo visitors to tour BHH by appointment.

Groups/Organizations

Get a personalized, in-depth, and interactive visit to BHH as a group.

Youth Education

Educating youth is the foundation of BHH. Our educational tours pass knowledge of Brownsville's history to children.

Black History Month

Throughout February, we host a series of exhibits, live performances, and more in celebration of Black history.

Women's Month

Our March exhibits allow visitors to learn about trailblazing women, past and present.

Poetry Month

We celebrate National Poetry month every April with poetry nights, workshops, exhibits, and more.

Theater

We’ve partnered with NIA Productions and the Anderson & Bert Cade Fulton Foundation to showcase plays featuring local actors, playwrights, and directors.

Writing Workshop

Power in the Pen provides a safe space for underserved writers with free weekly writing classes, editing services, and publishing support in a workshop setting.

Town Halls

We lend our space to community groups and local individuals to hold intimate town hall meetings and curate gatherings surrounded by history.

Our Story Through the Years

For nearly fifty years, this cultural institution has stood as a living archive of resilience, creativity, and community pride. Born from a vision to preserve and celebrate African American heritage, it has grown from a local gathering space into a beacon of cultural education and empowerment. Through exhibitions, performances, and outreach, it has nurtured generations, amplified underrepresented voices, and bridged the past with the present—ensuring that the richness of Black history continues to inspire the future.

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Power in The Pen Workshop

Power in the Pen creates an inclusive, safe, supportative environment—both in‑person and online—where underserved writers can grow their voices. Through free weekly writing classes, hands‑on editing guidance, and publishing assistance, we nurture creativity and confidence in a welcoming workshop community. Empowering writers one word at a time.

Weekly: Saturdays 11:00am-2:00pm

Virtual Sign In:

Meeting ID: 4877282921

Password: 393418

Support the

Brownsville Heritage House

Enrich our Community and Keep our Culture Alive

Help us build a community where generosity thrives every day of the year. We're on a mission to strengthen our presence and inspire future generations of Brownsvillians. Let’s continue the momentum throughout the year.

Your donation allows us to curate exhibitions, expand our programming, and maintain our precious archive. Thank you in advance. We could not do it without YOU.

Donate Today

BHH Collaborators

Contact Us

Schedule a tour, reserve the space, ask about donating a Brownsville artifact, and more! We're also looking for volunteers and interns on a rolling basis. Contact us for more information. We'd love to hear from you!

Join Our Mailing List

Our Address:
581 Mother Gaston Blvd
2nd Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11212

Email: info@brownsvilleheritagehouse.org
Phone: (718)-385-1111
Fax: (718) 385-1113

Hours: By appointment only

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Nourish the roots of our community

so new generations can bloom.

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