History is like Frankenstein's monster; all it takes to make it come alive is the right education, a large body of artifacts exhumed from the earth, and an electrical storm. Learn from the past with today's Groupon to the Museum of South Texas History in downtown Edinburg. Choose between the following options:

• For $25, you get a one-year family membership (a $50 value).
• For $17, you get a one-year individual membership (a $35 value).

Explore the storied past of South Texas and Northeastern Mexico inside the Museum of South Texas History, which boasts an impressive set of permanent exhibits, including a life-size mammoth fossil replica and a collection of ancient tools, Spanish colonial treasure, and battlefield relics that paint a picture of the Rio Grande's past. Both membership packages grant you free admission, newsletters, plus a 10% discount at the museum store, discounted admission to regular museum events and classes, invitations to special museum events, and bragging ammo against nonmembers-only jacket wearers. Opt for the family membership to get all the members of your household in on the educational action.

On Saturday, February 19, members get free access to Pioneer and Ranching Crafts Day to experience pioneer life without all the diphtheria. Cowboy music, strummed by the Gillette Brothers, will permeate the air while a food wagon slings savory treats to fuel attendees for hands-on butter-churning, candle-making, and horse-shoeing exhibits.

Reviews

MuseumsUSA featured the Museum of South Texas History and 10Best listed it as one of the top five attractions in McAllen:

• This unique facility explores and sheds new light on the region's rich history, a story written by Native Americans, Spaniards, Mexicans and Texans. – 10Best