A Letter From Our President & CEO

"In life, success begets success." - Tim Kaine

"One way to keep momentum going is to have constantly bigger goals." - Michael Korda.

"Our future is only limited by our commitment to keep the momentum going." - Anne Sweeney.

With the recent success of the King Tut exhibit, the Derek Jeter Exhibit, and the House of Refuge Shuttle, I have been smiling like a possum eating bumblebees. Since the King Tut exhibit opened on January 3rd, we have welcomed over 30,000 wonderful guests to the humble Elliott Museum on Hutchinson Island from far and wide. Droves of NY Yankee fans are thoroughly enjoying the Derek Jeter exhibit, and remarkably, I have even overheard a couple of Boston Red Sox fans grudgingly admitting that they still hate the Yankees. Still, Derek Jeter was a player that you have to admire and respect. Wow. In the last 30 days, the House of Refuge Museum at Gilbert's Bar has played host to over 1,600 guests, which is some kind of record. Many of these people have been transported to the museum and, in turn, transported back to 1876 in the oldest building in Martin County by the Refuge Runner shuttle from the Elliott Museum. None of this would happen without the tireless dedication of our talented staff and the inspirational passion of our remarkable volunteers. Bless your collective hearts.


If I had a nickel for every time someone has asked, "How are you going to follow this up, Rob?" I could probably retire. I have actually been tempted to take out my hearing aids so I won't have to hear the question again. Fortunately, I have learned to take solace from wisdom quotes, and the quotes above have painted a clear course for me. I have spent scores of hours on a worldwide search for available touring exhibits that would touch the hearts of our guests in the same manner as the King Tut exhibit. Unfortunately, my shopping cart is still empty. It has become readily apparent to me that in order to offer an exhibit that will keep us moving on an upward trajectory…we will have to create it ourselves.



With a good tailwind, we will be ready to make an announcement in next month's newsletter with some details on the exhibit we will be tantalizing you with during the season next year. The older and crankier I get, the more uncompromising I have become in the search for the truth. The truth seems to be increasingly more elusive in the world we are living in. Next season, I promise you something that is as true as it can possibly be and out of this world.


My absolute best regards,

Rob Steele

President & CEO

Historical Society of Martin County

Elliott Museum

Gilbert's Bar House of Refuge Museum


P: (772) 225-1961 Ext. 109

rsteele@hsmc-fl.com

VIEW HSMC STATEMENTS & MUSEUMS

EXHIBITS

IN CELEBRATION OF KING TUT

Now through May 31, 2024

These remarkable objects have been recreated by historians and artists in Egypt using locally sourced, authentic materials, scaled and finished to perfection.

GET TICKETS


THROUGH THE EYES OF CURT WHITICAR

Now through Apr 26, 2024

Explore the evolution of Martin County via Whiticar’s ability to paint history. You will also learn about Whiticar family’s impact on the sportfishing industry.

GET TICKETS

THE CAPTAIN'S CORNER

Now through Dec. 31, 2024

Patrick Armstrong and son began collecting Derek Jeter memorabilia since Derek the early 1990’s and is now on exhibit, commemorating Jeter’s unique baseball career.

GET TICKETS

MORE DETAILS ON ALL EXHIBITS

THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL EVENTS

UNLOCKING THE TREASURES OF KING TUTANKHAMUN

Thu, Apr 18 from 2:00PM

Michael Marfleet is back by popular demand as he shares details and little-known facts regarding the unlocking of the treasures of the boy king.

GET TICKETS

BOB TALKS

Tue, Apr 9 from 3:00PM

The Tragic Vision of Arthur Miller: This valued playwright helped define modern tragedy and his works represent the very best of that drama.

GET TICKETS

MORE DETAILS ON ALL EVENTS

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, AND THANK YOU!

Derek Jeter & Surfing Exhibits


THANK YOU …THANK YOU … to Eric Haas and Sports Grill, Steven Swann at Morgan Stanley, and Chris McNulty from McNulty Sports Cards & Memorabilia for sponsoring our incredible baseball exhibit, The Captain’s Corner Derek Jeter’s Journey from Kalamazoo. I am so grateful to them for sponsoring the exhibit and to Patrick Armstrong and his son Brian for sharing their fascinating collection of Derek Jeter memorabilia. This popular exhibit will be featured through the end of the year.


In Celebration of King Tut will be at the Elliott until May 31st and opening June 16th will be a perfect summertime exhibit Surfing Florida a Photographic History. THANK YOU, THANK YOU to Sunrise Surf Shop and H.B. and Grace Barrett for sponsoring this exclusive exhibit that will capture the essence of Florida’s unique surf culture. The exhibit, which runs through August 16th, will feature breathtaking photography, surfboards, and artifacts that tell the story of Florida’s rich surfing history.


Our sponsors make these exhibits happen … Thank You! I have other sponsorship opportunities available and look forward to talking with you about the wonderful benefits we offer businesses/firms. Sponsorships may be exclusive per business/profession category, so let’s talk soon. Contact me at 772.225.1961 ext.110 or by email: linda@hsmc-fl.com


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

Linda Prange

Vice President 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

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 Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention in Gainesville, FL. For more information, tap the button below.

VISIT CADE MUSEUM

Transforming communities by embracing inventivity™

Through our exhibits, programs, and other activities, we strive to inspire communities throughout Gainesville and beyond, because everyone deserves a chance to see themselves as a bolder, more creative, and more innovative agent of change.

There are many other creative ways to support the Museums that are fun and beneficial! Below are just a few opportunities. Check them out and call Linda at

(772) 225-1961 Ext. 110

ADOPT A CAR
BUY A BRICK
SPONSORSHIP
BECOME A MEMBER

THE CURATOR'S CORNER

ART & HISTORY COLLECTION CURATOR, CHESSY RICCA

As we are nearing the one-hundred-year anniversary of the death of the locally notorious moonshiner, John Ashley, it is only natural to question what was happening in John’s life leading up to his death on November 1, 1924. Why was he killed and what was the cause?


Captain Von Behren of the Florida National Guard issued more guns and ammunition to be sent to Hobe Sound to assist in the capture of John Ashley.In the Spring of 1924, John Ashley appeared to pose such a threat to the local people of northern Palm Beach County that an actual machine gun was included in this order. From April 1924 until September 1924, John Ashley was hiding out in Port Salerno, securing enough provisions to last him six months at sea. Now we have to ask, where was he going and why?

READ MORE HERE

Chessy Ricca

Curator of Art & History Collection

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

CAR CURATOR, JIM FERRARE

Car events for this month include:

  • Car shows every Wednesday night from 4-7PM
  • Cars N Coffee on the second Saturday of the month (4/13/24)
  • Garage tours every Thursday at 11 AM


Guests can take a cruise in one of our classic cars

(minimum donation required except for Sterling members)


Use of the museum garage and tools.

You can bring your classic car or daily driver into our garage for simple repairs or maintenance ( appointments only, donation required)


Come and see our Motorcycle Collections grouped together to include: Harley, Indian, Sun, Yale, Moto Guzzi and more!


Please don’t hesitate to contact us for any questions and note, events will be canceled for lightning or steady rain. Please call before coming out to confirm at (772) 225-1961

READ MORE HERE

Jim Ferrare

Car Curator

Historical Society of Martin County

Elliott Museum

Gilbert's Bar House of Refuge Museum


P: (772) 225.1961 Ext. 111

E: jferrare@elliottmuseumfl.org

VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHTS

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. Come visit Al at the House of Refuge on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and experience the House like never before!

AL SIMBRITZ


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

I worked for General Motors Corporation for 32.5 years in a variety of field executive positions. I was an Adjunct Professor for Barry University for 8 years. I worked for the Elliott Museum for 8 years.



What are your special interests/passions?

I enjoy reading, history and travel. I am a long term “gear head” and love racing and cars.


What is something that would surprise us about you?

I helped open the new Elliott Museum in 2013 and recruited the first 200 volunteers.


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

I currently volunteer two days a week at the House of Refuge, and I love the location, the history and the interesting people I meet.

SEE MORE ABOUT OUR VOLUNTEERS

Ales Day

Vice President Guest Experience

Historical Society of Martin County

Elliott Museum

Gilbert's Bar House of Refuge Museum

P: (772) 225-1961 Ext. 102

E: aday@elliottmuseumfl.org

FAST FACT

Fast Fact: Did You Know?

Karl Benz is frequently credited with the “birth of the automobile” for having patented a vehicle with gas engine operation. His wife Bertha, however, made a significant contribution to modern motoring herself. In 1888, Bertha took her husband’s Benz Motorwagen on a 66-mile trip to see her mother and discovered the need for brake lining, because the vehicle’s shoe brakes didn’t work well, gas stations, because she could only get the fuel she needed at pharmacies, and more than one gear, because the two sons she took with her had to get out of the vehicle and push it every time they needed to go uphill.

ELLIOTT'S EMPORIUM

When you need a special gift or just want to browse, stop at the Gift Shop! Books, plush toys, clothes, jewelry, original art, auto metal signs, all things King Tut, and so much more await you. All priced to sell, you will be amazed with the variety and quality! AND members receive 10% off purchases. Shop today at the Elliott or at the House of Refuge!

TRAVEL

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.

8-day Midwest Fall Foliage Tour

September 2024

Includes the Henry Ford Museum, 2 nights in the romantic Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island and lots more!

LEARN MORE

Danube River Christmas Market Cruise

December 7-18, 2024

It’s a magical journey of a lifetime! From Budapest to experience Europe’s most iconic and festive Christmas markets.

LEARN MORE

Portugal to Ireland: History & Traditions

June 11, 2025

Enjoy a 12-day all-inclusive cruise aboard the Scenic Eclipse Discovery Yacht from Portugal to Ireland.

LEARN MORE
TRAVEL WITH US

Debbie Banta, APR

Director of Engagement

Historical Society of Martin County

The Elliott Museum

Gilbert's Bar House of Refuge Museum


P: (772) 225-1961, ext. 124

C: (772) 284-5091

E: dbanta@elliottmuseumfl.org

MINDFULNESS CORNER

SPIRIT SPEAKS

with Medium

Beth Lynch

Fri, Apr 12, from 6:00PM

Beth Lynch channels spirits to convey their messages for you.

LEARN MORE

FINDING BALANCE

through Musical Healing

Fri, Apr 26, from 6:30PM

Explore the secrets of balance and harmony through the transformative medium of sound!


LEARN MORE

EVERY WEEK AT THE ELLIOTT:


Tune Up Tuesday: Weekly at 2 PM

Wednesday SoundWaves: Weekly at 6 PM

Saturday Sound Healing: Weekly at 6 PM

Sound Healing Sunday: Weekly at 2 PM

 

Deena Rahill: Certified Sound Practitioner and Founder of Sound Vibrational Healing. Find out more about sound healing, upcoming events, and what Deena does to make you feel refreshed and relaxed.

VIEW WEBSITE

PHILLY DOWN SOUTH - AT THE TIKI HUT

CHECK OUT OUR

LIVE MUSIC!


Every Friday and Saturday Night

from 6 to 9 PM



Jam Session every Tuesday Night

from 6 to 9 PM

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