The McAllen Heritage Center has been a staple of the downtown area since 2008. They work hard to preserve and tell the story of the city through exhibits, artifacts, and storytelling in its appealing historic building.
A big part of their annual cycle is funding the operation. Summer is when they ramp up efforts with signature events. Two of those events are the ‘Chuckwagon Dinner’ and ‘Royal Tea at the Heritage.’
Chuckwagon Dinner
Over 20 years of non-profit operation, the Chuckwagon Dinner has undergone a few iterations. Previously, the dinner was prepared on site, but the demand grew so great that they needed to expand the venue.
The Chuckwagon Dinner is now an initiative in partnership with Romano’s Macaroni Grill of McAllen. Supporters can take advantage of a heck of a deal with two steak dinners with sides and a bottle of wine for $80. Due to popular demand, a $50 solo dinner option is available with a glass of wine.
“You’re not going to beat that at any other fundraiser,” said Elva M. Cerda, founding member of the museum and the non-profit. “It can normally run $200 per person for other fundraisers. So, we’re very grateful for Macaroni Grill for being such a great partner, which helps us keep the ticket price down. These are tough times, and the cost of food is up. However, we ask our supporters to keep in mind that the dinner ticket is a donation that supports our mission.”
These tickets are already on sale and will be on sale until late May. One benefit is that those who buy a ticket have a window of four months, from June 1 to Sept. 30, to stop by the restaurant and enjoy the meal.
Cerda has been part of the team from the very beginning. She said this fundraiser is crucial to the organization.
“We are a 501(c)(3) asking for funding. The grants are a little harder to come by when the purpose is operational, so we depend on these community fundraising events very much.”
These two events are ways that the community can support the Heritage Center, while also getting in touch with history, as both connect to the past.
Royal Tea at the Heritage
Attendees of the Royal Tea transform themselves into an outfit befitting an afternoon tea from another time. Cerda explained the fun in being a part of this unique event. “The ladies come in, and they are just gorgeous,” Cerda said. “It is a Royal Tea party, so everyone comes in wearing a lovely hat, there is violin music in the background, and all the tables are very elegant. We host a silent auction; serve bubbly while the ladies mingle and shop, and then everyone sits down to enjoy the tea and all the delectable tea fare included.” Tickets for this event are $75.00 per person.
The Museum Experience
Cerda took the time to remind people of the importance of the in-person museum experience. As digital historians rise, she appreciates their place in storytelling. The museum encourages the online history sites in the hope that they reach the younger audiences. However, she notes that you cannot replace the feeling of seeing, feeling, and experiencing history in person. MHC also welcomes field trip tours, Winter Texan groups, and others. If interested in a tour, please call the museum to schedule an appointment.
“We are the McAllen History Museum,” she said. “We tell the story of our past. You get to come into our historic building, walk through the galleries, read, see the artifacts, photographs, and in some cases, touch and interact with them. There are some wonderful videos and archives, a military gallery, a museum store, a railroad gallery, and so much more. It’s truly an experience.”
The Heritage Center holds plenty of events throughout the year, including a local veterans’ event: “Veterans – Then and Now” to be held on July 11, 2026, at the museum. Area veterans are invited to call the museum (956) 687-1904 for more information about this free event held in their honor.
From fundraising to remembering McAllen’s past, the McAllen Heritage Center is making its mark and preserving what matters the most.
Admission to the museum is free, although donations at the door are welcome, and there is free parking for visitors in the rear parking area.
