Cerda discusses the McAllen Heritage Center’s expansion plans

MCALLEN, Texas – The Rio Grande Guardian secured an exclusive interview with Elva M. Cerda, director of the McAllen Heritage Center, at a recent McAllen Citizens League event. 

Cerda spoke about the expansion plans the center has and urged more McAllen residents to view its exhibits. 

The expansion plan includes adding more exhibit space, improving presentation rooms, and expanding storage for the museum’s collection. 

“We’re doing an annex which is going to be a two-level building behind the existing building. We are in a historical building, so there’s not much I can do that would change elevation of the building we’re in. So we’re going to do that and hopefully add 4,000 square feet,” Cerda said.

“We were successful in our capital fundraising with the city as our biggest partner. It is a city owned facility… (so) hopefully we’re there in perpetuity. But, we could expand, maybe buy a building next door or whatever, in the future.”

Cerda said her most important message is to tell everyone the facility exists. “Spread the word about McAllen Heritage Center. That’s what is important to us,” she said. 

The Guardian asked Cerda why the City of McAllen does not promote its history more at its various festivals. Cerda responded that the best festival for this would be Fiesta de Palmas. This festival is the successor to PalmFest, which Cerda co-founded and directed for many years. 

“The concept of PalmFest was… to patten ourselves after the Texas Folklife Festival, and they were all about history and education. So we had an exhibit area (at PalmFest). We were always there until recently. We still participate (at Fiesta de Palmas) but much smaller. I do plan to speak to the new organizers and maybe take that spot back, because I think we’re not meeting that part of the of the initial objectives of PalmFest,” Cerda said.

The Guardian also asked why the City does not partner with Hidalgo on tourism, given that that city has more historical buildings than McAllen. Cerda responded that she does not know who runs Hidalgo’s Historical District but would like to learn more.

“One of the projects I kind of have on my list is I want to form a small museum association. We need one because we need to work together, do loan exhibits and talk about our challenges and how we overcome them and quit thinking like Friday Night Football.

In other words, everybody’s like, this is mine. And so for funding purposes, I understand that, but I agree with you.”

Cerda concluded the interview by again urging McAllen citizens to visit the Heritage Center. She said many people from out of town, for example those that are meeting with McAllen Economic Development Corporation, visit the center to learn more about the city. She said they end up staying for hours. 

“Come visit us, tell your friends and family and know about it because people comment, wow, we didn’t know, but this is so beautiful. That is very impressive to me.”

Cerda added: “We thank all our friends in the community, along with the City of McAllen for their ongoing support of MHC. Please visit the museum soon.”

Editor’s Note: Here is a video recording of the interview with Elva Cerda:

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