A Letter From Our President & CEO | | |
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"Everything comes out in blues music: joy, pain, struggle. Blues is affirmation with absolute elegance." - Wynton Marsalis.
"If you don't know the blues… there's no point in picking up the guitar and playing rock and roll or any other form of popular music." - Keith Richards.
"The blues are what I've turned to, what has given me inspiration and relief in all the trials of my life." - Eric Clapton.
You may or may not be aware, but I have actually booked more than a thousand acts in my somewhat non-linear career. I grew up being exposed to a great variety of music as a lad, and I learned along the way that almost all music sounds suitable to somebody's hearing range. The trick in the business is to develop the ability to secure musical acts that appeal to enough people to make the economics of the booking work. Through the course of my journey, I discovered that blues music is virtually always an ingredient in a great song. I also came to know that blues fans are the coolest, most attentive, and most loyal fans in the music spectrum.
For the fourth year in a row, we have the privilege of presenting one of the best blues guitarists on the road today, Gabe Stillman. Gabe will be joined at the Elliott by Texas blues guitar legend Anson Funderburgh on December 6th at 7:30 PM. I have known Gabe since he was ten, and every time I hear him play, I find myself baffled at his ability to geometrically elevate his playing on each return visit. I sincerely hope that all of you will take the time to buy a ticket to this night of foot-stompin blues that is certain to amaze and delight you. Gabe is a consummate entertainer and a gritty showman. I have been asked thousands of times in my life, "What's coming up that I shouldn't miss, Rob?" and I always answer with a nod and wink. My reply today is…Gabe Stillman.
We were astonished by the beauty and refinement of the art displayed by the objects surpassing all we could have imagined – the impression was overwhelming." - Howard Carter.
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I have had the distinct privilege of sitting on the saddle at the Historical Society of Martin County for five very short years, and hosting a stunning exhibition focused on discovering King Tut's tomb has been my top priority. You may be thinking that I am not the sharpest tool in the shed because it took me so long to make this happen. In my defense, we did have a couple of unavoidable bumps in the road along the way, and our organization is, at present, 100% focused on providing the very best experiences possible for all of our guests, every day.
We have established a warm friendship with Tarek Ragab and his son, Muhamed Ragab, from the Egyptian Art Center as we planned for the execution of this elaborate exhibit. It seemed like every month was punctuated by good news from the EAC regarding exciting new pieces they were able to add to the exhibit. Some of the tantalizing additions are a replica of the Rosetta Stone, a Virtual Reality Experience inside King Tut's tomb, and the complete Book of the Dead on papyrus. Tarek and Muhamed are proud of their heritage, proud to share these beautiful pieces with you, and dedicated to creating an engagement you will remember for a long time.
By the grace of our splendid sponsors, "In Celebration of King Tut" will open to the public on January 3rd, 2024.
"There simply is no pill that can replace human connection. There is no pharmacy that can fill the need for compassionate interaction with others. There is no panacea. The answer to human suffering is both within us and between us." - Dr. Joanne Cacciatore.
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I have often visited the topic of creating a warm and welcoming environment for all our guests at the HSMC museums in this newsletter. I have waxed on prophetically about our volunteer docents' inspirational commitment to ensuring that everyone who enters the museum feels like a family member. I may come across as a bit braggadocio here, but our volunteers deliver this unparalleled level of attention and kindness 360 days a year. We have hundreds of emails, letters, cards, and phone calls to prove it. These big-hearted people have created an environment that is, in fact, healing as well as intriguing.
When I separate myself from my day-to-day reality and look down on this beautiful planet from about 30,000 feet, it appears to me that there are forces at work that are trying their willful best to divide and separate the humans that have been wandering about for a few thousand years. This trend is vexing to me. So, in the world in which I have some margin of influence, I'm having none of it. When you visit one of our museums, you have my personal commitment that you will be greeted with a warm smile. You will be cared for in an engaging manner (unless it is your desire to be left to yourself – we will most assuredly respect that) by everyone on the campus who is wearing a name tag. This is an easy promise for me to make because I know the quality of the people we are lucky enough to work with. It's time to make a stand and connect with each other at every opportunity.
My very best to all of you during this beautiful holiday season.
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Rob Steele
President & CEO
Historical Society of Martin County
Elliott Museum
Gilbert's Bar House of Refuge Museum
P: (772) 225-1961 Ext. 109
C: (570) 220-7122
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PROTECT OUR PENINSULA
We are combining the talents of these award-winning photographers with Carlton Ward Jr.’s “Path of the Panther” and Mac Stone’s “Wild Everglades.” Carlton and Mac use their celebrated photography and videography skills to capture the essence of the power and the plight of the Florida ecosystems.
August 3rd – December 18, 2023
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LIGHT AS A FEATHER
An educational and interactive exhibit of several species of Florida’s birds, featuring the photography, editorial and videography works of Sonia Sousa and John Nelson.
Also included in the exhibit is a bird statue from a local artist and sculptor, Geoffrey Smith.
October 31, 2023 through January 31, 2024
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MYSTIC FLORIDA BY ELIZABETH KELLY
Elizabeth Esther Kelly’s “Mystic Florida” will be featured in the Elliott Museum’s Art Down the Hall from October 27 to January 20th. Kelly’s exhibit features 24 beautifully unique paintings created over a 13-year period.
Step into Elizabeth Esther Kelly’s “Mystic Florida” to see a surreal side of Florida unseen anywhere else!
Oct 27, 2023 – Jan 20, 2024
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ART FOR LIVING CALENDAR EXHIBIT
The Helping People Succeed will have on display incredible artwork from the Art for Living calendar exhibit. Take a look at the magnificent artwork of local artists. It is awe inspiring.
December 1, 2023 – April 1, 2024
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IN CELEBRATION OF KING TUT
We intend to do all we can to transform our modern museum space into an ancient tomb of unimaginable beauty. These remarkable objects have been painstakingly recreated by historians and artists in Egypt using locally sourced, authentic materials and scaled and finished to perfection. The impact of standing amidst these objects will be something you will long remember.
January 3 – May 31, 2024
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CALENDAR OF SPECIAL EVENTS | |
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Gabe Stillman Is BACK! CLICK PHOTO TO PURCHASE TICKETS TODAY!
Gabe Stillman and his band hit the stage in high gear as they embrace all corners of American Roots Music with their impromptu selection of original gems and carefully chosen covers.
Dec 06 2023 from 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM
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A Bird’s Eye View
Lecture presented by John Nelson
A “bird’s eye view” of the captivating photography by Sonia Sousa and John Nelson for the Light As A Feather exhibit.
Thursday, December 7 from 6:30 PM
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Holiday Open House
FREE ADMISSION for the whole day at the Elliott Museum
- Homemade cookies provided by the Palm City Cookie Ladies
- Classic Elliott Fruit punch by Jannette Hutchinson
- And more Holiday Surprises
DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE HOLIDAY CONCERT 2PM – 4PM!
There will be holiday music throughout the halls by Stuart Community Concert Band
Saturday Dec 16, 2023 from 10 AM to 5 PM
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Professor Pennygoode’s Mighty Flea Circus
This non-stop good time ‘Swingabilly’ band keeps the joint jumpin’ from the first note ’til the lights go out! The Mighty Flea Circus is a well-oiled machine that blends together a unique take on Rockabilly, Jump, and Swing from across the decades with original material you just can’t get out of your head.
View on Eventbrite Here
Dec 17 2023 from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
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Atlantic Classical Orchestra Sunday Concert Series
The Atlantic Classical Orchestra will present a series of three 4-piece chamber orchestra performances at the Elliott Museum.
As a guest conductor, Amado has led numerous prominent orchestras. Recent engagements have included the Mobile, New Bedford, New Haven, and Toronto symphony orchestras and California’s Symphony Silicon Valley. Additionally, in June 2019, he made his debut at the Mostly Modern Festival in Saratoga Springs, New York.
TIME: Sunday 3 PM – 5 PM
DATES: Jan 28, Feb 11, and Mar 24
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A Letter From Our Director Of Development | |
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One of the real joys of this beautiful season
is my opportunity to say Thank You
and to wish you the joy of family,
the gift of friends and
the best of everything for the New Year!
As always, we truly appreciate your thoughtful consideration and continued support!
Warm Regards,
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Linda Prange
Director of Development
Historical Society of Martin County
Elliott Museum
Gilbert's Bar House of Refuge Museum
P: (772) 225.1961 Ext. 110
E: linda@hsmc-fl.com
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From the Office of the Curator
This fall season has started on an interesting foot. So far the cold fronts have managed to stay to the north but a late-season tropical system gave Martin County a windy surprise. After a successful spooky October, the month of November proved to be eventful!
Local artist Chris Kling has 12 oil paintings with local imagery hanging in our Local Artist Spotlight space in the Forum room. Chris’s exhibit will end in January and her art is for sale.
The “Helping People Succeed” calendar exhibit will be opening on our second floor on December 1 and runs through April 2024. This exhibit will feature the original paintings used in the 2024 calendar.
Wildlife photographers John Nelson and Sonia Sousa had their exhibit entitled, Light As A Feather: The Birds of Florida open in early November. Nationally (and internationally) recognized artist and conservationist Geoffrey Smith kindly offered to loan one of his bronze bird sculptures, “Great Blue Heron Duet” to sit in the gallery for the length of this exhibit. When you enter this exhibit space, if you listen closely enough, you can hear the calls of many of Florida’s native bird species.
The Historical Society of Martin County is working with the Martin County Library to grow its Martin County Digital history collection. So far, a handful of collections, including the Coventry Collection, Parlin Collection, and a few others, have been scanned and digitized and are now available to the general public through their digitization initiative. Visit The Martin Digital History
Coming soon will be a revamp of some exhibit spaces within the Elliott Museum. Our baseball gallery is soon to be improved, the Grumman Aircraft exhibit will be expanded, and our inside restaurant will have a new look within the next few months. Lots of change happening within our walls.
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The recent addition to the Elliott Museum's distinguished collection, the captivating painting titled "Letters to Theo," stands as a testament to the institution's commitment to celebrating art that resonates with the soul. Standing alongside the artwork are two key figures integral to its presence within our walls: on the right, the esteemed Tom Prestopnik, whose passion for art has enriched our collection, and on the left, the generous donor, Dr. Jimmy Autin. Their shared dedication to fostering the appreciation of art ensures that "Letters to Theo" will continue to inspire and captivate audiences for generations to come.
Chessy Ricca
Curator
Historical Society of Martin County
Elliott Museum
Gilbert's Bar House of Refuge Museum
P: (772) 225.1961 Ext. 125
C: (772) 561.308.8309
E: cricca@elliottmuseumfl.org
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Fast Fact: The Model T got its name because Henry Ford named his prototypes starting at the beginning of the alphabet. By the time he got to T (the 20th letter and 20th iteration), he felt his car was ready to go on the market.
The benefits of being a member: As a Family Level Member or higher, you have access to free or discounted admission to 134 museums in Florida alone with the NARM and SERM reciprocal benefits. One of the participating museums is The Baker Museum in Naples, FL. For more information on this amazing museum, keep reading and visit their website at the link below.
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The Baker Museum is the foremost fine art museum in Southwest Florida. Emphasizing modern and contemporary art, the museum hosts several traveling exhibitions annually to complement installations of works from its permanent collections. Dedicated to stewardship and scholarship, The Baker Museum provides world-class exhibitions and educational opportunities for Southwest Florida’s diverse community. | |
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Volunteer Spotlight - Kevin McInerney
What did you do for a living in your career life?
After spending roughly 20 years in automated controls, I found I enjoyed training others to use the systems I installed. So, I became a teacher. I taught elementary school, for most of my career, but switched to middle school (Language Arts) for several years. The last four years before retirement, I taught Robotics in 6th - 8th grade.
What are your special interests/passions?
I enjoy hiking and biking with my wife and, of course, riding my motorcycle. I also spend too much time on my computer programming and building gadgets that no one needs (or wants).
What is something that would surprise us about you?
If I tell you, it will ruin the surprise!
Besides, I’m as dull as dishwater, so probably nothing!
What’s your favorite thing about volunteering at the HSMC?
I have the most fun when little kids come to the museum. They’re learning and having fun, which is the atmosphere I TRIED to have in my classroom. My students probably just remember a grumpy old man who gave them tests, though. : )
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The Elliott Museum and the House of Refuge are blessed with a legion of vibrant and gifted volunteers from across the country who bring their own rich histories from all walks of life. The common thread among them is their shared passion for our museums, and their enthusiasm to make your visitor experience the best that it can be. Kevin can be found at the Elliott doing all things Boomerang! | |
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Bliss Bike Event Recap
On Saturday, November 18th the Elliott Museum parking lot was all abuzz with electric bikes! E-Bliss Global held their national electric bike roll out at the Elliott Museum inviting guests to test ride several electric bike models, like the ALWAYS Anywhere, seen here ridden by volunteer Lois Olivari.
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Ales Day
Director of Guest Services/Memberships/Volunteers
Historical Society of Martin County
Elliott Museum
Gilbert's Bar House of Refuge Museum
P: (772) 225-1961 Ext. 102
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Spirit Speaks "Healing for the Holidays" with Medium Beth Lynch
The holiday season is even more challenging when we miss loved ones who have crossed over. As their physical presence is no longer with us, their Spirit lives on.
Time & Location
Dec 12, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
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December Cold Full Moon
A powerful Cold Full moon, an evening of absorbing its energy as we navigate the world! . Sound therapy helps you transform your brain waves leading into a profoundly restorative state, which activates the body's self-healing system, igniting your creativity, increases your intuition, obtain a deep relaxation & so many more benefits.
Time & Location
Dec 27, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM EST
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Winter Solstice
Let's harness the portal of the winter solstice by blessing our energetic field. Through the process of entrainment, these sound vibrations bring us back into a harmonic balance of our true physical and emotional well-being. Given that everything has a vibrational frequency, including ourselves, it makes sense that sound frequencies impact how we feel.
Time & Location
Dec 21, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
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EVERY WEEK: Tune Up Tuesday, Saturday Sound Healing, and Sound Healing Sunday. To learn more about sound healing, new events, and what Deena does, visit her website - www.soundvibration.net. | | |
Wine and Cheese Travel Talk
Join us for an enchanting evening as Deb Banta takes center stage to share the magic of our upcoming journeys. Be prepared for an immersive presentation on our exhilarating trips to the stunning landscapes of Alaska and the festive allure of the Danube Christmas markets. Deb will not only unveil the intricacies of these unforgettable adventures but also reveal the exciting new itineraries that await in 2025.
Thursday, January 11, 2024, 5:30 to 7:00 PM
Free to members and interested travelers.
Elliott Museum Forum
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Upcoming Trips!
The world is traveling again—so don’t delay in making your reservations! Bookings are really filling up quickly.
Travel with the Elliott and discover a world of exceptional itineraries, rich cultural experiences, superb dining and wines, and wonderful camaraderie with fellow travelers. When you book through the Elliott travel program, you will receive a complimentary HSMC Annual Membership to the Elliott and the House of Refuge museums. Choose from the great cruises and tours hosted by the Elliott, as well as an amazing array of domestic and international tours offered by Mayflower Cruises and Tours.
Contact Debbie Banta at 772-225-1961, ext. 124, or email at dbanta@elliottmuseumfl.org.
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Ionian Adventure - April 24-May 4, 2024 -- Free airfare and early bird pricing have been extended on a limited basis for this exclusive 100-passenger super yacht experience
Danube Christmas Market Cruise - December 7-18, 2024 – It’s a magical journey of a lifetime!
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