Recent Events
Three men memorialized in 2022.
In October 2022, the DCHC hosted an event to memorialize three men who were killed by the Texas Rangers in 1920 in Bruni. The families of the three men came together to share stories, memorialize their forefathers, hear corridos, and heal from this generational trauma which has affected them for over 100 years.
Rumbo 'al Anacua, a group from the Valley, performed the Corrido de Maldonado which tells the story of the murders of Dionisio Maldonado, Crescencio Oliveira, and Vicente Aguilar.
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Shown with their respective forefathers are Elda Maldonado Quiroga, Lydia O. Canales and Vicenta Aguilar, descendants of the three men murdered.
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Read more in the McAllen Monitor about the event here:
The ongoing pandemic in2020 required us to shift gears for our annual Día de Los Muertos event. We produced a video and in November shared virtually the process of setting up an Ofrenda. You can watch the video on our Facebook page.
Texas Tropical Trail Region's 5th Virtual Partner Event - December 2020
On December 15, 2020, Duval County Historical Commission was invited by Texas Tropical Trail Region to share a video presentation about Duval County Courthouse, one of Duval County's most notable Texas historical structures. The event featured a video highlighting the importance of preserving the Courthouse as well as plans to move forward with restoration efforts after being awarded an emergency grant by Texas Historical Commission.
CENTENNIAL OBSERVATION: April 2020
In April 2020, Duval County issued a Proclamation to observe the centennial of an incident where three men were murdered by the Texas Rangers in Bruni, Texas. Two men were Duval County residents and all three are buried in Benavides, Duval County, Texas.
Third Annual Día de Los Muertos Event - October 2019
Several families joined us for A Night at the Museum as we commemorated Día de Los Muertos, a cultural event that honors our deceased loved ones.
Genealogy Workshop -
October 2018
Guest presenter and descendant of the founding families of Duval County, Maria Teresa Everett, presented interesting and useful genealogy information to a group of genealogy enthusiasts.
October 2018
Guest presenter and descendant of the founding families of Duval County, Maria Teresa Everett, presented interesting and useful genealogy information to a group of genealogy enthusiasts.
DCHC & SAGA Hold Joint Genealogy Meeting
In May 2018, the Spanish American Genealogy Association out of Corpus Christi joined DCHC for a luncheon at Anne's Bluebonnet Inn. Information was shared about both organizations' missions and genealogy resources. Homero Vera was presented with a Genealogy Award. Members and guests visited the DCHC Museum afterwards.
Homero Vera receives his genealogy award from long-time DCHC member Lydia Canales. Also pictured are DCHC Chairman Graciela T. Gonzales, SAGA President Mario Lopez, and SAGA Past-president Sara Flores.
DCHC members gathered on April 12, 2018 to acknowledge Bradford Wyatt and the Wyatt Ranches for their generous $75,000 contribution to DCHC. We presented Mr. Wyatt with an appreciation plaque and hosted a reception for all at the museum.
A Busy Year in 2017!
In 2017, we dedicated La Mota de Olmos Cemetery Historical Marker, celebrated our first annual Día de Muertos event, and honored our Veterans with guest speaker Carlos T. McDermott, Jr., the son of Bataan Death March and POW WWII survivor Carlos McDermott. We also welcomed our new museum director Shelly Gaitan-Ochoa pictured receiving a donation for museum from local veteran William Creager.
Duval County Courthouse Celebrates 100 Years!
In October 2016, we celebrated the Centennial of the Duval County Courthouse.
The Centennial Celebration included:
* Open House at the Courthouse from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
* Featured speakers later that evening:
* Alfredo Cardenas, Duval County historian and author
* O. Daniel Castillo, restoration architect
* Robert Moncada, SDHS Junior and winner of essay contest
* Contests for school children:
ESSAY WINNER: Robert Moncada, SDHS:
POSTER CONTEST WINNER: Spirit Cantu, Benavides Middle School
ART CONTEST WINNERS: Halie Garza and Jaelle Perez from Collins-Parr Elementary in SD
The Centennial Celebration included:
* Open House at the Courthouse from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
* Featured speakers later that evening:
* Alfredo Cardenas, Duval County historian and author
* O. Daniel Castillo, restoration architect
* Robert Moncada, SDHS Junior and winner of essay contest
* Contests for school children:
ESSAY WINNER: Robert Moncada, SDHS:
POSTER CONTEST WINNER: Spirit Cantu, Benavides Middle School
ART CONTEST WINNERS: Halie Garza and Jaelle Perez from Collins-Parr Elementary in SD
March 27, 2015 - El Plan De San Diego Event
In a packed courtroom, guests listened to the intriguing details of the infamous PLAN DE SAN DIEGO from some of San Diego's finest experts on the topic: Alfredo Cardenas, Dr. Eunice Garza and Dr. Candelario Saenz. Author Cardenas also debuted his historical novel about the Plan, BALO'S WAR, and held a book-signing.
October 18, 2014: Branding Irons of Duval County
Our event was a success with over 60 branding irons displayed, guest speakers, book sales, and a live calf-branding demonstration.
Centennial Event - May 18, 2012
Duval County history aficionados gathered to hear the story of the murders of prominent Duval County officials that took place in front of the courthouse on May 12, 1912. We heard their story from the viewpoints of their descendants, and honored their legacy.