A Letter From Our President & CEO

Entraining our brains for a joyous holiday season…



“The holiday season is a perfect time to reflect on our blessings and seek out ways to make life better for those around us.” - Terri Marshall

“Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments, embark upon a sentimental journey, and enjoy every idle hour.” - John Boswell

“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.” - Hamilton Wright Mabie

VIBRANT NEW MURAL BY MUSEUM ENTRANCE

About the artists

Abby Mac and Joe Finamore are multidisciplinary artists with family roots in Martin County. 

Email: Abby Mac abbymactattoos@aol.com

Joe Finamore cupojoetattoos@gmail.com

Instagram: Abby Mac @ooopsmybadbro

Joe Finamore @cupojoetattoos

JOIN US FOR OUR JOLLY HOLIDAYS EVENT

THAT'S RIGHT!!! JOLLY HOLIDAYS

at the Elliott Museum

FOOD • DRINK • MUSIC

Saturday, December 13 | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Throughout the day 10 AM - 5 PM:

• Live painting demonstration from Paul Herber in the upstairs Cafe
• Enjoy complimentary cookies frrom Philly Down South and punch in the Cafe
• Candy cane stations throughout the museum and maybe even some elves!
• Festive scavenger hunt for kids and adults 

12 - 2 PM:

• Live performance by The Stuart Community Concert Band

Don’t miss this magical, family-friendly day at the Elliott and as our gift, with each adult admission, receive a BOGO admission pass for a future visit to the museum.

Free for members | Regular admission for Non Members

EXCITING EVENTS & ENLIGHTENING TALKS

LIVE REMOTE LECTURE

Tuesday, December 2nd | 1:00 PM

CRACKING THE EGG: Secrets Behind the Imperial Fabergé Exhibit with Marty Martin

Join us for an extraordinary journey into the glittering world of Imperial Fabergé Eggs! Marty Martin invites you behind the velvet curtain for an insider’s look at how these breathtaking replicas came to life.

Get a dazzling glimpse into history, luxury, and legacy!

CIVIL WAR IN FLORIDA? BELIEVE IT!

Thursday, December 4 | 1:30–2:30 PM

Eliot Kleinberg — known for his engaging storytelling and deep dives into Florida’s untold history, will reveal the real role Florida played in the Civil War.

LEARN MORE

HOW THE TREASURE COAST GOT ITS NAME

Tuesday, December 9 | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Set sail on a journey through time with Al Simbritz as he reveals the true story behind how Florida’s Treasure Coast earned its glittering name!

LEARN MORE

FUN WORKSHOP FOR ALL CREATIVES!

PAINT THE SEASON BRIGHT

Wednesday, December 17th | 1:00 - 3:00 PM

Join local artist and art instructor Laura Tarquinio for a fun and festive afternoon of ornament painting at the Elliott Museum. Whether you’re crafting keepsakes for your tree or personalized gifts for loved ones, this hands-on workshop will fill your heart (and home!) with holiday cheer.

INCREDIBLE EXHIBITS AND SO MUCH MORE!

WONDERFUL THINGS...THE RETURN OF KING TUT

Now through May 31, 2026

Step into a breathtaking exhibition featuring spectacular replicas of prized artifacts from the tomb of Tutankhamun, one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in history. Included in this exhibition is our AI Avatar Howard Carter.

LEARN MORE

THE FABERGÉ IMPERIAL EGG COLLECTION

Now through May 31, 2026



A breathtaking exhibit featuring over 50 meticulously crafted replica Fabergé Imperial Eggs with dazzling secrets wrapped in gold, enamel, and gems, holding a hidden surprise inside.

LEARN MORE

THE HIGHWAYMEN

Now through May 31, 2026

Featuring over 60 original paintings from the private collection of Roger Lightle, Highwaymen Art Specialists, Inc.

LEARN MORE

THE CAPTAIN'S CORNER

Now through Dec. 31, 2025



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

LEARN MORE

FRANCES LANGFORD

PERMANENT EXHIBIT



Julia Frances Langford was more than a generous philanthropist—she was a national treasure and a hometown hero whose legacy continues to inspire.

LEARN MORE

WHEELS OF CHANGE

PERMANENT EXHIBIT

Experience a fully mechanized, robotic car storage-and-retrieval marvel—originally an industrial innovation, now dramatically reimagined inside the Elliott Museum.

LEARN MORE

OUR 1st EVER ...

That’s right … You can stay home …

• Slip on flip flops - hide the heels
• Ditch the tight tux – step into comfy clothes Eat & drink what you want, when you want
• Skip the valet, speeches, silent auction
• Share your time & table with family & friends
• Smile, there are no small bites & small talk

Our 1^st ever NO-GO Gala gives you the opportunity to relax, unwind, and not attend while supporting us and making a real difference. You can be assured that your donation will go directly to our very real needs, and not toward the enormous costs of hosting a “real” gala.

So, this season, skip the tux, the heels, and the rubber chicken, and please support our NO-GO Gala — where your generosity fills exhibits, not punch bowls.

I hope you will consider supporting us and it’s easy to do by clicking on the Donation button. Your gift will keep our beautiful Elliott alive, vibrant, relevant, and inspiring. 

Thank You … Thank YOU!

At this beautiful and special time of year, I also want to wish you the joy of family, the gift of friends and the best of everything for the new year.

Most Gratefully,

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

(772) 225-1961 Ext. 110

ELEVATE YOUR NEXT EVENT

As we look back upon the year 2025, we are so grateful for each and every person who has explored the museum with family, attended one of our eclectic lectures or workshops, or hosted a special event with us among friends. Thank you to all who have supported us. We appreciate you all dearly.

As we enter into 2026, we are delighted to have a few more months to enjoy the marvelous King Tut and Highwaymen Exhibits. We encourage you to reach out soon if you are interested in hosting a special event inside one of our exhibits. We can't wait to hear from you!

Wishing you all a very Happy Holidays and blessed New Year!

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. This month’s Volunteer Spotlight shines the light on our beloved volunteer, Karen Higuera.

KAREN HIGUERA

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

I was a project manager at IBM. I worked there for 33 years.



What are your special interests/passions?

I enjoy traveling. I am a huge baseball fan and my team is the NY Yankees.

What is something that would surprise us about you?

I’m a gym rat. You can find me there 5 days a week.

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

There are so many wonderful things about volunteering at the HSMC but the best part is meeting so many different people.

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 Sanibel Historical Museum & Village in Sanibel, FL.

SOMETHING BIG IS COMING FOR 2026!

We’ve been quietly crafting something extra special just for our members…

And in 2026, it all comes to life!

Get ready for an exclusive, year-long series of Members-Only Mixers—unique gatherings designed to connect, inspire, and bring our community closer than ever before.

• New experiences.
• Special access.
• Moments you won’t want to miss.

Stay tuned… exciting details are on the way!

TRANSLATING FLORIDA'S COLONIAL PAST

This year marks a milestone in Florida’s scholarship. Researcher John H. Hann’s (1926-2009) translated journals and colonial records, now available through the University of Florida’s Spanish Colonial Records in Translation project, open a world once locked behind paleographic Spanish manuscripts. For the first time, English-speaking audiences can read the words of colonists, missionaries, and Indigenous leaders from the 16th through 18th centuries.

These translations paint a vivid picture of Florida before colonization, when Apalachee, Timucua, Calusa, and other Indigenous nations shaped the land. The journals reveal daily survival through food and trade, Indigenous agency in negotiations and resistance, and cultural encounters in petitions, reports, and letters.

By year’s end, more translations are expected, including journals tied to Apalachee missions and governors’ correspondence on English and French incursions. These works will deepen understanding of Florida’s political geography, Indigenous languages, and the fragile balance between colonial ambition and local survival.

For Martin County and the Treasure Coast, these translations are invaluable. They situate local history within broader currents of pre-colonial and colonial Florida. By making these voices accessible, we honor the resilience of communities who lived here long before modern settlement and ensure their stories remain part of our shared narrative. You can read these works here. 

OUR FEATURED CAR OF THE MONTH.

DECEMBER'S FEATURED CAR OF THE MONTH - PETER VITOLLI'S 1970 BUICK GRAND SPORT GS

Say hello to Peter Vitolli’s 1970 Buick Grand Sport GS — a bold, sunburst yellow muscle car with those iconic black racing stripes that instantly command attention.

This car isn’t just rare — it’s a perfect example of Buick’s “gentleman’s hot rod” philosophy. It’s powerful as heck, but styled with class and built for driving (not just drag strips).

It’s not only a showpiece — it’s a living, roaring legend!

If you would like to feature your car in our museum for the car of the month please contact Jim Ferrare at 305-878-7795.

Here are a few ideas to get the family and friends out and about! JOIN US...

• CARS N COFFEE on the second Saturday of the month (12/13/25)
• INSIDE GARAGE TOURS every Thursday at 11 AM (Please call to confirm)
• TAKE A CRUISE in one of our classic cars (minimum donation required - FREE for The Sterling Society members)
• FIX THAT OLD CAR TAKING UP SPACE! 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)
• SEE OUR EVER GROWING COLLECTIONS from motorcycles, cars, bicycles, plane and more!

Please don’t hesitate to contact us for any questions

EXPLORE THE WORLD WITH

THE MTA BY ARRANGEMENTS ABROAD

Dear Members,

We are excited to share new opportunities now available to you through our partnership with the Museum Travel Alliance (MTA)—a benefit included with your membership in the Historical Society of Martin County.

Each year, MTA creates a desk flyer featuring their upcoming travel programs. These unique journeys offer exceptional cultural experiences, expert-led access, and behind-the-scenes opportunities around the world. Experience art, history, and world cultures in unforgettable ways. These opportunities are designed to deepen your connection to learning, exploration, and the global museum community.

Here’s a sneak peek of what’s coming in 2026!

Thank you for being a valued member of the Elliott Museum and the Historical Society of Martin County. We are delighted to offer these exciting travel experiences as part of your membership benefits.

YOU HAVE SO MANY OPTIONS!

We look forward to seeing you on your next cultural journey!

Museum Travel Alliance (MTA) by Arrangements Abroad, is a consortium of more than 115 museums who offer travel to museum members only, so you can enjoy cultural travel world wide. As a member of the Historical Society of Martin County, YOU choose your destination, YOU choose when to travel, YOU can travel with friends you’ve made on previous Elliott Cruises, and YOU can meet new friends from all over the globe.

Here are a few other Museum members of MTA by Arrangements Abroad

The Ringling in Sarasota

Frost Museum in Miami

Lowe Museum at UMiami

The Harn Museum in Gainesville

The Cummer in Jacksonville

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York

SAVE THE DATE FOR POST-HOLIDAY TREAT!

POST-HOLIDAY TREAT YOURSELF EVENT!

Thursday, January 22 | 3–6 PM

Shopping That Matters at Village Bootery

Now’s your chance to snag those must-have shoes and support two beloved local treasures at the same time! Lite bites & libations will be served!

For every purchase made THURSDAY, JANUARY 22 between 3–6 PM, 15% will be donated to the Historical Society of Martin County, supporting both the Elliott Museum and the House of Refuge.

Why Village Bootery?

Since 1962, this family-owned gem has brought Stuart the best in fashion + comfort footwear — with styles you won’t find anywhere else!

LOCATION:

2641 SE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL

Come shop, sip, and feel good about treating yourself after the holidays — because shopping locally = giving back!

SO MANY UNIQUE GIFT IDEAS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

The holidays have arrived — and The Elliott’s Gift Store is sparkling with brand-new treasures!

Now featured in our gorgeous new display cabinet are the stunning creations of local artist Nikki Fanning, owner of Vivienne Monroe Pottery in Jensen Beach. Nikki, who led our popular Clay to Tray workshop, brings her artistry to life in these exquisite, one-of-a-kind pieces. Each work is beautifully handcrafted, making it a meaningful and memorable holiday gift.

We’re also excited to spotlight the charming Shadow Boxes created by local artisan Ales. These lovely pieces have rarely been highlighted — but they absolutely deserve the attention! Their unique style and craftsmanship make them perfect for gifting or displaying at home.

And don’t forget our elegant Imperial Fabergé egg pendants — a guest favorite inspired by our breathtaking Imperial Fabergé Egg Collection. Whether as a keepsake or a show-stopping gift, they bring a touch of timeless artistry to the season.

From handcrafted pottery to heartfelt art and classic keepsakes, The Elliott’s Gift Store is filled with unforgettable gift ideas for everyone on your list.

Swing by during your next visit to the Elliott Museum — you never know what festive finds you’ll discover!

RESTORATION PROGRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REFUGE

This month’s restoration work at the House of Refuge has made major progress, with windows, woodwork, and historic architectural elements being carefully rebuilt onsite and in the Tradesmen Group’s Ohio workshop. A new episode of Chronicles of a Restoration is now live, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the process.

We also enjoyed a well-attended lecture at the Stuart Heritage Museum, continued final research for our upcoming exhibit While We Kept Watch, and celebrated the dedication of our incredible volunteers.

Highlights ahead include The Tempest, an immersive storm-at-sea experience featuring Ralph Papa’s powerful mural Of Storm and Splendor, and the creation of The Overlook Gallery, a stunning new art space perched above the ocean and lagoon.

Planning is underway for Coastal Colors Paint Out 2026—which will coincide with our restoration reopening and the House’s 150th Anniversary.

As we approach our 150th Anniversary, we honor everyone who has helped preserve this landmark and look forward to the celebrations ahead.

Updated 2026 wedding contracts are now available

If you would like to learn more about becoming a docent, lecturer, or workshop artist, please reach out to us at 772-225-1875 or email clarsen@elliottmuseumfl.org.

Warm regards,

MINDFULNESS CORNER

GREAT BITES AT PHILLY DOWN SOUTH TIKI BAR

WORKED UP AN APPETITE AFTER EXPLORING THE MUSEUM?

Head over to Philly Down South Tiki Bar, just a short stroll away! Keep the good vibes going with great food, refreshing drinks, and a laid-back outdoor atmosphere.