Assembled by J.P. and Mary Jon Bryan, the collection spans more than 12,000 years, with pieces ranging from ancient Native American cultural artifacts to modern twenty-first century objects.

The Bryan Museum presents a chronological history of Texas and the American West with a special emphasis on the Spanish influences in the region.

[2] While attending the University of Texas, Bryan started a rare book and printing business with a friend, John H. Jenkins.

Antique firearms were of personal interest to Bryan, and his knowledge of their history helped him amass a high-quality collection.

Bryan also purchased important ephemera collections, including those of Frank Reaugh, a pastel landscape artist who lived near Dallas at the turn of the century, and José Cisneros, a Mexican-born illustrator with a passion for the Spanish southwest.

These ephemera collections include artwork, artifacts, manuscripts, sketchbooks and reference works, and original photographs.

The Bryan Museum presents a chronological history of Texas and the American West with a special emphasis on the Spanish influences in the region.

Bryan hopes that his collection will aid in the education of both the local community and the five million visitors the island welcomes each year.