Since 1905, the name changed several times in early years, from Lon C. Hill Town to Six-Shooter Junction to Harlingen, a Holland city with canals of its own. See historic Harlingen when the city was only a couple of roads, crossing downtown near the railroad. This room-sized model is complete with buildings, a train and inhabitants. Additional photos from the earliest days to aerial shots of the city detail the growth. Tour guides help recreate the Old West through stories in the actual refurbished dwellings.
Natural history is on display, too.
An extensive exhibit of the Gulf Coast shells is present, as are displays of gems, rocks and minerals, featuring those found in Texas. Additionally, examples of native vegetation, types of citrus and varieties of palms growing on the grounds are labeled for easy identification. Local bird species are frequently present. The new Museum offers visitors many images of history and nature through temporary exhibits on topics as varied as archaeology or agriculture, custom cowboy boots or Texas wildflowers, Gulf fish or folkart from Mexico. Changing several times a year, they often have programs and craft classes, too.