"Audentis Fortuna iuvat." Or “Fortune Favors the Bold” - Terence (Roman African Playwright in his play Phormio in 167 BC)

“We don’t just think outside the box, we discipline ourselves to never even take a peek inside the box.” - Rob Steele

Exciting times are ahead as we embark on a journey to redefine and expand the Elliott Museum, bringing the dreams and desires of Martin County residents to life. With the recent relocation of Fire Station 14 to a new location, we are presented with a unique opportunity to create an innovative, cutting-edge museum space that not only serves our community but has the potential to become a national attraction.

The heart of our mission is to build a space that reflects the diverse interests and rich history of Martin County. This expansion aims to provide a home for local history, artifacts and collections, ensuring that our region’s unique heritage is preserved and celebrated for generations to come. Our community’s passion for preserving and showcasing our local history is undeniable, and the trajectory of growth for our historic artifacts is robust. We are certain that a portion of the new space will be allocated to the mission-critical need for curatorial space.

As we set our sights on creating this dynamic annex, we want to hear from you, the residents of Martin County. Your input is invaluable in shaping a museum that truly resonates with the heart and soul of our community. We believe in the power of collaboration, and together, we can create a space that is technologically unmatched and wildly adaptable. Our early vision for the Elliott Museum Annex is bold and ambitious. We envision a space where every exhibit and experience is not just informative but truly memorable. We want to surprise and delight our visitors, making each visit an unforgettable journey. We aspire to create the most adaptable museum space on the planet. A space where every exhibit and experience comes to life and elevates our guests’ consciousness.

Furthermore, we aim to establish this space as a regional, state, and national forum for rationality, investigation, integrity, discernment and truth. In an era where reliable information and a commitment to the pursuit of knowledge are paramount, our annex will be a beacon of enlightenment and reason.

Your thoughtful input is crucial as we lay the foundation for this extraordinary project. We invite you to participate in our polls and share your ideas, hopes and dreams for the Elliott Museum Annex. Together, we will forge a shared vision that is unstoppable in its pursuit of excellence.

We firmly believe that this future museum annex will not only educate and inspire but also leave our guests changed for the better. It will be a point of pride in our community and a destination that draws visitors from across the nation.

Stay tuned for updates and announcements as we embark on this exciting journey. Together, we will make history.

All the best,

Rob

Meeting you has given me not only an incredible opportunity to talk about the Elliott and the House of Refuge, but also to get to know you and answer your questions. Your questions have been so good, I’d like to share some of them with everyone … so here are the ones I receive most often:

1. “The Elliott is owned and supported by the county, right?”

Wrong! The Elliott Museum is not owned by the county. The Historical Society of Martin County (HSMC) is the umbrella 501(c)(3) for The Elliott Museum and The House of Refuge. The museums are here because of YOU – our loyal and generous donors, members, visitors and various community foundations. 

2. “I want to support the Elliott, but I don’t have a lot of money …”

It’s because of this very question that our two adopt programs were developed! For a $100 donation, you can adopt an item in our permanent collection for one year, receive an Adoption Certificate and signage with your name or business at the item. If you adopt a vehicle, you even get a special key ring! Whether it’s a $100 or $1,000 item you adopt or any level in between, you will know that your donation is being used for the item’s care and all of the museum’s items. 

3. “Who should I write my check to?”

Needless to say, I love this question! It gives me a wonderful opportunity to explain that all checks should be written to The Historical Society of Martin County (HSMC) because it’s the 501(c)(3) organization. All thank you tax letters come from the HSMC. 

 4. “Director of Development … What does it mean?” 

I get this question often! Quite simply, I’m responsible for developing, nurturing, and creating relationships and programs that will help provide sustaining revenue and support for the HSMC, the Elliott, and the House of Refuge. It’s the best job I’ve ever had … surrounded by amazing people – like YOU! 

Keep the questions coming, visit soon, and please stay in touch! 

As always, we truly appreciate your thoughtful consideration and continued support.

Linda Prange

Director of Development

772-225-1961, ext. 110

linda@hsmc-fl.com

125th Anniversary of All Saints Episcopal Church and Cemetery

Lecture – History of All Saints Episcopal

October 5, 2023

Reception with cash bar/light hors d’oeuvres from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Lecture from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

$15 per person, free to members

To celebrate the 125th anniversary of Martin County’s most historic congregation, Martin County 2022 Preservationist of the Year Joyce Fletcher Menard will share her inside perspective of All Saints Episcopal Church and Cemetery and the legacy of its noted parishioners. Perched atop one of the highest points in Jensen Beach, this center of worship has stood for more than a century above the ever-changing vista of Martin County. Learn of its architecture, historic significance and the impact of the church in our community today.

Join John Nelson on Thursday, Oct. 12, at 7 p.m. as he presents the history of the Florida Everglades through the use of historical images and other time period documents. From the earliest years of statehood, the Everglades was viewed as nothing more than a swamp infested wasteland. For this reason, the Everglades came under constant attack from settlers, land developers, and politicians as everyone had only one goal in mind, drain the swamp and turn it into “Productive” land.

The cost is $16 for non-members and free for members. For members, please call us at 772-225-1961 as seating is limited. Learn more and buy tickets on the website, https://hsmc-fl.com/lectures.

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 come to the Elliott to register and pay.

Examples of photos by Mark Stall taken with an iPhone

Music by some of the best local bands will soon fill the air outdoors at the Elliott Museum! Come and join us from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14, and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, October 15. An entry fee of $10 will be donated to the museum. Enjoy food and drinks at Philly Down South's Tiki Hut.

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.

On Saturday, Oct. 20, at 6:30 p.m., join us for an extraordinary evening of Latin musical passion performed by the enchanting Cuban soprano Laura León and internationally acclaimed tenor Mario Arevalo. You will be moved by the captivating selection of classic and contemporary Spanish pieces, including Latin American Operatic Song. The concert is made possible through the generosity of sponsors Brian Foss and Dennis Fruitt. The cost is $20. Read the singers' impressive bios and buy tickets on the website,

https://hsmc-fl.com/special-events.

Enjoy a fun day, rain or shine, at the Stuart Corvette Club's Halloween Charity Open Car Show! This event is open to all makes and models.

Registration begins at 10 a.m. and closes at 11 a.m. There will be a DJ, participant judging, gift baskets, a 50/50 raffle and trophies for the top 15 winners! Ballot voting ends at 1 p.m.; drawings and awards at 2 p.m. All show proceeds go to the Elliott Museum.

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

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 Hut, hosted by Philly Down South at the Elliott.

As the month of October makes its appearance, the Historical Society of Martin County will be having some spooky things going on! We will be offering a handful of paranormal events with very limited seating both at the Elliott and the House of Refuge. Tickets will be going on sale two weeks prior to the events. Call the Elliott for more information. Recently, an episode of The Haunted Files aired on Paraflixx, now streaming, featuring an investigation conducted at the House of Refuge filmed over the summer. The month of October is also the anniversary of the wreckage of the Georges Valentine on October 16, 1904 (pictured above) as well as the Cosme Colzado, which sank only 24 hours later.

Starting October 1, a small exhibit will be opening on the 125^thAnniversary of the founding of the All Saints Episcopal Church and Cemetery. Many of the local Stuart pioneers whom you may recognize, such as Sewall, are buried at this location. It was once called Waveland but the church proudly sits on a high hill in Jensen Beach.

A new exhibit titled "Mystic Florida," featuring Elizabeth Esther Kelly's work, will be opening on October 27. Her art captures a surreal view of Florida unseen anywhere else. Lastly, "Light as a Feather: The Birds of Florida" will be opening in our upstairs gallery beginning October 31.

Curatorial has been busy working on completing a more comprehensive Native American display for the House of Refuge and behind the scenes we are still working diligently on cataloguing the clothing collection stored in our archives. Stay tuned for some fun and interesting exhibits coming to the Elliott in the fall and winter seasons!

Chessy Ricca

Curator

Every Wednesday from 4-7 p.m., this colorful and lively event will take place in the Elliott Museum's parking lot.

Come and enjoy the best of the best in classic cars, great food from the Tiki Hut right on the premises and live music! There's no charge 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 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!

Adopt something in our permanent collection for one year and you’ll not only be supporting us, you’ll also receive a personalized Adoption Certificate, signage 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 1955 Ford T Bird, 1911 Harley-Davidson, a 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 and/or  

https://hsmc-fl.com/adopt-something.

If you have any questions, please contact Linda Prange, director of development, at 772-221-1961, ext. 110, or by email, linda@hsmc-fl.com or visit Guest Services at the Elliott.

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! 

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.

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

Assistant Attorney General for the state of Connecticut

What are your special interests/passions?

Pickleball, long distance biking, hiking and grandchildren

What is something that would surprise us about you?

My wife and I sold our home and all our possessions, purchased a motorhome and traveled throughout Canada and the United States for five years. We made it as far as Alaska! Also, I asked my wife out on a date when she was 15 and I was 16. We have been dating ever since.

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

Meeting wonderful staff and patrons, learning about classic cars, learning about Florida and Stuart history, and hanging out at the House of Refuge with its rich history.

What a memorable way to honor a loved one, mark an anniversary, honor a birthday or just because! Buying a Brick is a perfectly unique gift that will last for years to come. 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.

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 Art and Culture Center in Hollywood, FL. For more information on this amazing museum, keep reading and visit their website, www.artandculturecenter.org/visit. We hope you get the chance to explore this season and use your membership benefits! 

The Art and Culture Center/Hollywood presents contemporary gallery exhibitions, film screenings and award-winning education programs in the visual and performing arts at three unique facilities in downtown Hollywood. The Center’s mission is to cultivate creativity and the support of the arts in our community through education, innovation and collaboration.

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

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. 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 - New dates! July 16-28, 2024 – A splendid land and sea tour aboard the elegant Holland America Noordam. Register here.

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

Watch this video on YouTube to learn more about the Holland America Line MS Noordam Ultimate Ship Tours.

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.

Saturday, Oct. 14, Solar Eclipse - 6 p.m.

Let's harness the energy during the power of the solar eclipse! All about transformation!

Wednesday, Oct. 25 - Hunter's Full Moon - 6 p.m.

Join Deena for a powerful Sound Vibrational Journey during the Hunter/Blood Full Moon.

Tune-up Tuesday & Sunday Sound Healing at 2 p.m.

Saturday Sound healing series continues - 6 p.m.

To learn more about sound healing, new events and what Deena does, visit her website - www.soundvibration.net.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the first successful electric car made its debut around 1890, thanks to William Morrison, a chemist who lived in Des Moines, Iowa. His six-passenger vehicle, capable of a top speed of 14 miles per hour, was little more than an electrified wagon, but it helped spark interest in electric vehicles.

The Rockin Rx Band provided three hours of entertainment last month, playing dance and rock 'n' roll music from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 2000s and everything in between.

Look for more fun activities like this one to take place at the Elliott in the future. You never know what you may see next!

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.

FALL IS IN THE YEARS! 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 "creepy" books, a variety of jewelry, baseball merchandise, pirate and other books, glow-in-the-dark butterflies, Beadworx sculptures, artwork, decorations, children's toys, note cards, 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!

Click here to see all 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