“Life is a journey, but don't worry, you'll find a parking space at the end.” - Isaac Asimov

“My moral compass is so broken I can barely find the parking.” - Ben Quail

“We are all riding on the same bus.” - Mark Sheppard

We have been after this piece of the puzzle for a good long while. We are thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new passenger shuttle service connecting two iconic attractions - the Elliott Museum and the House of Refuge Museum. This exciting initiative aims to enhance your experience of exploring Martin County's rich maritime heritage. 

The House of Refuge Museum, the oldest structure in Martin County and the only remaining House of Refuge, stands as a testament to the region's maritime history. Originally a rescue station for shipwrecked victims, the beloved House has also served as a Coast Guard station, a US Naval station, a refuge for sea turtles, and now a museum. The Elliott Museum, on the other hand, offers a diverse range of exhibits, including vintage cars, art, and local history. 

With the introduction of the passenger shuttle service, you can now conveniently travel between these two remarkable museums. Our guests will soon be able to park at the Elliott Museum and take a five-minute ride in an air-conditioned passenger van with a friendly, knowledgeable, and occasionally humorous driver to the House of Refuge. There are only 15 parking spaces at the House of Refuge, and they are often filled beyond capacity by fishermen, beach bums, surfers, sun risers, and sun setters, leaving no room for museum guests!

The passenger shuttle service will operate on a regular schedule, allowing you to plan your visit with ease. Stay tuned for further details on the shuttle schedule, ticket prices, and exclusive offers. We are hoping to begin daily shuttle service in early October.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard the new passenger shuttle service between the Elliott Museum and the House of Refuge Museum. Embark on a journey through time, history, and culture, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

“I don't want to be a millionaire, I just want to have enough money to stare off into space while pumping gas.” - Anonymous

“When buying a used car, punch the buttons on the radio. If all the stations are tuned to rock and roll stations, there's a good chance the transmission is shot.” - Larry Lujack

We are excited to announce a captivating addition to the Elliott Museum's Wheels of Change Car Gallery - a collection of large-format photos showcasing local historic gas stations and car dealerships from the Martin County area between 1940 and 1970. These stunning images provide a glimpse into the past, capturing the essence of a bygone era when automobiles played a vital role in shaping our community. The carefully curated selection of photographs showcases the architectural styles, signage, and vehicles that were synonymous with the era. It's a visual journey that captures the spirit of a vibrant and transformative period in Martin County's history.

The Wheels of Change Car Gallery has always been a treasure trove for automobile enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Now, with the installation of these new photos, visitors can immerse themselves in Martin County’s rich automotive heritage. The images depict iconic gas stations and car dealerships that were once bustling hubs of activity, serving as more than just places to fuel up or purchase vehicles — they were gathering spots where stories were shared and memories were made.

1971 Fiat Abarth Scorpion 695

1954 Ariel Square Four motorcycle with a custom Garrard Sidecar

As you are all aware, we are in a continual state of change at the Elliott Museum, and there is always something new to see. On loan from the collection of local enthusiast Greg Jones, we have a 1971 Fiat Abarth Scorpion 695 and a 1954 Ariel Square Four motorcycle with a custom Garrard Sidecar. You are not likely to see one of these vehicles again, so plan a special trip to see them!

All the best,

Rob

I can’t believe it, but it’s been two years since I became a member of the Elliott Family. Well, I was already a “paid” member, but I became a “working” member … What a fun ride it’s been!

Every day is different, challenging, and fun … yes fun! Hearing you laughing, talking, your children and grandchildren laughing and saying excitedly, “I found it!” when they find their missing Scavenger Hunt item or when I stop and talk with you as you admire our beauties in the Car Gallery.

I’ve witnessed some competitive checkers games in the General Store, watched kids writing and drawing on our chalk boards and heard “WOW, there he is” as you’ve looked for your favorite baseball cards.

I’ve enjoyed talking with you when you’re trying to decide what to say on your Brick, or what vehicle to adopt or if you want to adopt something else.

Whether you’ve enjoyed our Norman Rockwell, Highwaymen, Pineapple and current Carlton Ward Jr. and Mac Stone exhibits, you’ve made each day special. 

Rob Steele promised me an adventure two years ago and he was right! Many events and exhibits have happened, but we have so many more exciting and fun things “in the works.” I plan to enjoy each day and I hope you’ll come along with us … but hold on, it’s going to be a fast, and fabulous ride! 

Thank you for making my first two years fly by … And thank you for your generosity, support and most of all your friendship. You truly make each day special and fun!

Linda Prange

Director of Development

772-225-1961, ext. 110

linda@hsmc-fl.com

The Rockin Rx Band plays the best dance rock 'n' roll music from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 2000s and everything in between! YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS IT! In the main gallery at the Elliott Museum from 7-10 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 8. Admission $10. Cash bar. Buy tickets here.

Cars & Coffee is held the second Saturday of the month from 8 to 10 a.m. in the Elliott Museum's parking lot, weather permitting, co-sponsored by McKee's 37 and Oldies 95.9/106.9FM. Bring your pride and joy ride or just come and hang out with other car owners and enjoy the outdoor ambiance. The event showcases an amazing display of different makes, models and years of vehicles. This event is free and open to everyone. Coffee and donuts are provided at a nominal charge.

Our "brake" is over! You may recall that The Elliott Museum's all new weekly car show took a summer break. Starting October 4, this colorful and lively event will take place every Wednesday, weather permitting, from 4 to 7 p.m.

Come and enjoy the best of the best in classic cars, great food from the Tiki Hut right on the premises and live music! Free for spectators, and to show a car or motorcycle, it's free to members and just $5 for non-members.

Keep in mind that you can experience a fun, outdoor tropical vibe for lunch and dinner at Philly Down South's Tiki Hut, right next door to the Elliott Museum. Operating hours are from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday with live music every Friday and Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m.

An open mic session is held every Thursday night from 6 to 9 p.m. and professional musicians are welcome as a soloist, duo or whole band to take part in “Tim Kyle Carpenter’s Open Jam Session” every Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m. It's an opportunity to play and network with other talented musicians. Call 561-718-9733 to sign up.

For more information, call 561-718-9733.

The "Path of the Panther" exhibit, featuring Carlton Ward Jr., in tandem with Mac Stone's "Wild Everglades" exhibit is now open for your viewing pleasure. These award-winning photographers use their celebrated photography and videography skills to capture the essence of the power and the plight of the Florida ecosystems.

The exhibits are part of the museum's "Protect Our Peninsula" series, which focuses on Florida's natural environment, one of a handful of core focuses at the Historical Society of Martin County. These exhibits are made possible because of the generosity of Dr. Ed Lippisch & Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch and Henry & Rachelle (Rocky) Grady (pictured here) along with Bill & Carole Hauke, and Gloria Whittle & Stan O'Hoppe.

The photos will be on display through December 18 so be sure to come and see them for an inspirational lift!

Morgan Yates, one of the models featured in Carlton Ward Jr.’s photographs, came to the Elliott for a visit. She was kind enough to let Ales Day, the HSMC's director of Guest Services & Volunteers/Membership, snap her picture and she even recreated the pose.

Immerse yourself in an iPhone learning experience with Mark Stall, who has been a photographer for over 50 years. His two hour workshop will include hands-on techniques designed to strengthen your skills and boost your creative ability using your iPhone.

You’ll learn how to use professional and high-resolution image-making techniques found in your iPhone. Mark’s interactive class will instruct all participants to set up and use the best features of each camera, general photographic techniques, and time permitting, several camera/photo apps to improve and enhance your images.

Once you understand the mechanics, practicing the techniques and capturing photos daily will lead to improved results in no time. Every participant should own an Apple iPhone. The newer the iPhone, the more it will match Mark’s workshop, but many techniques can be used with iPhone 11 and newer. A digital handout containing a huge set of links of interesting stuff will be air dropped to all participants.

Date: Saturday, Oct. 14

Time: 10 a.m. to noon

Place: Elliott Museum's Forum room

Pre-registration cost: $50 - Limited to 20 people. Please call 772-225-1961 or stop in to the Elliott to register and pay.

Examples of photos by Mark Stall taken with an iPhone

Thursday, October 26, 2023

Experience this wildly unique “Florida” ecosystem on a fun-filled Day Trip Tour! 

Tour package Includes:

·  Round trip coach transportation from the Elliott Museum

·  Admission to Everglades National Park

·  One hour airboat ride and guided tour

·  40-minute Everglades Wildlife Show featuring alligators, exotic birds, and a variety of reptiles

·  Free time to explore the park and enjoy lunch on your own in the park 

·  Gratuity and free parking at the Elliott Museum 

Schedule:

·  Arrive at the Elliott Museum at 6:45 a.m.

·  Bus departs Elliott Museum at 7 a.m.

·  Approximate return time to Elliott Museum at 4 p.m.

Register:

·  $75 per person (pre-paid registration required)

·  Space is limited! 

·  Register online at here or call the Elliott at 772-225-1961

Adopt something for one year and you’ll receive a personalized Adoption Certificate, a sign telling everyone you adopted the item, a special key ring if it’s a vehicle (no it won’t start the car!), and a photo by your adopted “treasure.” We have a 1966 Mustang, 1911 Harley-Davidson, 1955 Thunderbird, a Florida Black Bear, a Barber chair and so much more! 

For complete information and to view the vehicles and items that are available to adopt, please visit https://hsmc-fl.com/adopt-a-car or https://hsmc-fl.com/adopt-something.

If you have any questions, please visit Guest Services at the Elliott or contact Linda Prange, director of development, at 772-221-1961, ext. 110, or by email, linda@hsmc-fl.com. Besides adopting something very cool for yourself or as a gift, you’ll be supporting the Elliott, the House of Refuge and the HSMC … Thanks so much!

eBliss Global, the e-mobility company specializing in the design, manufacturing and distribution of e-bikes across the US, has confirmed its event date at the Elliott Museum as Saturday, Nov. 18, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. This free event will be open to the public and all Elliott Museum members are encouraged to attend this exciting day.

During this event, all attendees will have the opportunity to learn in detail about the evolutionary eBliss e-bikes, test ride the e-bikes on a dedicated bike track at the Elliott, as well as hear from engaging guest speakers and invitees throughout the day.

So save the date in your calendar and see you there for a great day at the Elliott, where the history of transportation meets the future of e-mobility! 

Be sure to catch the "History of Florida Keys Pineapples and the Martin County Connection" exhibit, which opened last month and continues through October 1, 2023. Did you know much of Florida's East coast was covered in fields of pineapples? In this exhibit, you will learn about the Florida Keys pineapple industry and its relation to what is now Martin County!

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. If you come to the Elliott on any given Tuesday afternoon, the smiling face of Kathy Sisk will likely be there to greet you at the front desk.

What did you do for a living in your career life?

School system Secretary in Broward County Schools, Florida and also in Cobb County Schools, Georgia.

What are your special interests/passions?

I am an Oma (grandmother) to six fantastic grandchildren. As they grew up I enjoyed sewing for them; each has a quilt I made and embroidered while they were toddlers. 

What is something that would surprise us about you?

I was an avid member of the Florida Region Sports Car Club Association. I raced cars in Solo I and II, was a navigator in the Rally program and a course worker. I have worked courses at the 24 Hours of Daytona, Sebring 12 Hours, IMSA races in Miami, Palm Beach and SCCA courses throughout the Southeast. The friendships I have made through racing were some of the best friends I will ever encounter.

What’s your favorite thing about volunteering at the HSMC?

I enjoy the interaction with our guests.  One never knows where it will lead, maybe a new best friend.

We invite you to come and meet our new smiling faces at The Elliott's front desk in Guest Support Services and at the House of Refuge. They stand ready to serve you!

Trish Blake, Elliott Museum

Gail Remery, Elliott Museum

Gary Dean, Elliott Museum

Steve Shuda, House of Refuge

Honoring a loved one, marking anniversaries, celebrating birthdays and congratulating a grad are some perfect reasons to Buy a Brick. Your brick will join the 67 that have been installed. Each brick is 4 x 8 inches and installed at the base of the Elliott Museum flagpole. The brick will be engraved as you wish on up to three lines.

For complete information, visit https://hsmc-fl.com/buy-a-brick or access this QR code using the camera on your phone. If you have any questions, or want to discuss wording for your brick, please contact Linda Prange, director of development, at 772-221-1961, ext. 110, or by email, linda@hsmc-fl.com. You may also visit Guest Services at the Elliott for details and to order your brick.

Dan Burd, executive director of Speak Life End Bullying the Musical, received an annual membership to the Elliott Museum/House of Refuge from Debbie Banta, which he won at the Hobe Sound Chamber Breakfast.

The company is a non-profit organization with a mission to bring the power of performing arts and digital theater to educational assembly programs to schools throughout Florida, the US, and the world with the goal to empower students to act beyond awareness to end bullying. For more information, visit About Us – Speak Life.

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 Appleton Museum of Art in Ocala. For more information on this amazing museum, keep reading and visit their website, https://www.appletonmuseum.org. We hope you get the chance to explore this season and use your membership benefits! 

Opened in 1987, the Appleton is located in Central Florida and is home to an extraordinary permanent collection of over 24,000 objects, plus an outdoor sculpture walk and garden, and a wide variety of temporary exhibitions and special events throughout the year.

IF YOU'RE NOT ALREADY A MEMBER, CLICK THIS BUTTON TO JOIN!

Travel with the Elliott and discover a world of exceptional itineraries, rich cultural experiences, superb dining and wines, and wonderful camaraderie with fellow travelers. And 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 her at dbanta@elliottmuseumfl.org.

• Opryland Christmas Tour - November 26-December 1, 2023 -- A truly wondrous and entertaining holiday experience. Registration will be closing soon!

• Ionian Adventure - April 24-May 4, 2024 -- Free airfare and early bird pricing has been extended on a limited basis for this exclusive 100-passenger super yacht experience

• Alaskan Cruise - July 23-Aug 4, 2024 – A splendid land and sea tour aboard the elegant Holland America Noordam. Watch this video on YouTube. 

• Danube Christmas Market Cruise - December 7-18, 2024 – It’s a magical journey of a lifetime!

Deena Rahill, founder of HI Mindfulness Forums, presents the following Sound Vibration events at the Elliott Museum.

For more details on these events and/or to register, please visit her website, www.soundvibration.net, or click on the individual events below.

Fall Equinox - Thursday, Sept. 21, 6 p.m. - On the equinox we honor the light and the dark and may feel gratitude for the changes that come with the passing of time.

Spirit Speaks to Medium - Friday, Sept. 22, 6 p.m. - Beth Lynch returns for more life, death and in-between as Spirits speaks for you through her.

Harvest Full Moon - Friday, Sept. 29, 6 p.m. – Join Deena for a powerful Sound Vibrational Journey during the Worm Full Moon.

Breathwork and Sonic Experience Like No Other! -

Saturday, Sept. 30, 1-5 p.m. - Anticipate an enriching experience with Sari Terrusa during this breathwork accompanied by a sound journey, where you can enjoy a presentation, witness a demonstration and actively participate.

Saturday Sound Healing Series - September 9 and 23 at 6 p.m. - To learn more about sound healing, new events and what Deena does, visit her website - www.soundvibration.net.

Dr. Steve Davis, chief science officer for the Everglades Foundation, will encompass the history of Everglades drainage, restoration project progress and the resilience-building benefits that Everglades restoration provides. Read more on the HSMC website. 

Thursday, Nov. 2 from 6 to 7 p.m.

Regular museum Admission - Free to members - Cash Bar

Enjoy dinner before the lecture at the Tiki, hosted by Philly Down South at the Elliott

The first mass produced car in the U.S. was the Oldsmobile Model R “Curved Dash” by Olds Motor Works. It was introduced in 1901 and cost $650. By 1904 it was building 5,000 units a year. The vehicle featured tiller steering, a chain drive, and 4.5-horsepower engine. Learn more at this website.

To take advantage of the museum's weekly tours of its auto collection on Thursdays at 11 a.m., meet at the front desk at 10:55 a.m. We recommend calling first at 772-225-1961. You also can take a joy ride to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or other special occasion. The minimum suggested donation is $200.

Contact Jim Ferrare at 305-878-7795 to make arrangements or email him at jferrare@hsmc-fl.com.

Whether you're shopping for a gift or for yourself you'll see plenty of unique items at the museum's Emporium Museum Shoppe. Merchandise includes these note cards, a variety of jewelry, baseball merchandise, pirate and other books, glow-in-the-dark butterflies, Beadworx sculptures, artwork, decorations, children's toys, an assortment of soaps, clocks, clothing, signed baseballs, baseball literature and much more. No museum admission is required if you just wish to browse and shop.

As you can see from this newsletter, the Historical Society of Martin County continues to grow and offer more to the community than ever before. But we can't do it without your support. Every little bit helps! Thank you in advance for your support. PLEASE CLICK THIS BUTTON TO MAKE YOUR DONATION TODAY — AND DON'T FORGET, YOU CAN MAKE YOUR DONATION MONTHLY!

... or old, for that matter, to visit the Elliott Museum. One of our employees captured this adorable family’s photo during their visit, which features the youngest patron to visit the Elliott at just 4 weeks old!

Click here to see all of the local happenings and more on discovermartin.com.

For concise information on what's happening with the Arts Scene on the Treasure Coast, subscribe to Willi Miller's ARTS BLAST! at willimiller.com.

The Historical Society of Martin County

A Treasure on the Treasure Coast since 1961!

www.hsmc-fl.com | 772-225-1961

Two Museums on Hutchinson Island in Stuart, FL 34996

Elliott Museum | 825 NE Ocean Blvd.

Hours: 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday

House of Refuge • 301 SE MacArthur Blvd.

10 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Saturday and 1-4 p.m., Sunday