A Letter From Our President & CEO

“My name is Truth and I am the most elusive captive in the universe.” - Carl Sandburg


“In the attitude of silence, the soul finds the path in a clearer light, and what is elusive and deceptive resolves itself into crystal clearness. Our life is a long and arduous quest after Truth.” – Mahatma Gandhi


“Truth is mysterious, elusive, always to be conquered. Liberty is dangerous, as hard to live with as it is elating. We must march toward these two goals, painfully but resolutely, certain in advance of our failings on so long a road.” - Albert Camus



“The Truth is in here.” - Rob Steele (Opening night of the UFO exhibition)

As I sit here penning this note, I can't help but reflect on how the pursuit of truth often feels like a delicate dance, an elusive whisper that just slips through our fingers. In today's world, truth seems malleable and negotiable, shifting like shadows as we seek a firm footing in our understanding of reality. Here at the Elliott Museum, we're tackling this challenge head-on with our world premiere exhibit, UFOs: Denial - Disclosure - Discernment.


This bold and dynamic initiative invites you on an extraordinary journey into the depths of a topic that's captivated minds and sparked imaginations for generations. Featuring a wealth of compelling evidence suggesting the existence of extraterrestrial vehicles visiting our planet, this exhibit has the ability to change your thinking on this stupendous subject in the time it takes to take it all in.


We believe in the power of engaging dialogue and sincere exploration. Here, you’ll encounter gripping accounts of unidentified aerial phenomena, credible testimonies from those at the heart of this intrigue, and a safe space to question and contemplate. As you wander through the exhibit, we encourage you to keep an open mind and allow yourself to ponder the possibilities that lie beyond our understanding.


So, come down to the Elliott Museum and immerse yourself in what truly might be a pivotal moment in your quest for truth. Let's embark on this journey together, illuminating the mysteries that surround us and expanding our collective understanding of the universe. When you experience this exhibit, at our small, warm, and welcoming museum on a barrier island, you will realize that we are becoming the mouse that roars.


My best,

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

WELCOME OUR NEW TEAM MEMBERS

We are delighted to share some exciting news about new additions to the Elliott Museum team. Please join me in extending a warm welcome to the following individuals who bring an exceptional wealth of expertise and enthusiasm to their roles:

Cheryl Scott

Director of Finance


Cheryl joins us with a keen eye for detail and a robust background in financial management. Her experience with overseeing budgets and ensuring fiscal responsibility will play a pivotal role in driving the museum’s mission forward sustainably.

Victoria McAteer

Operations Manager


Victoria’s wealth of knowledge with extensive global education and friendly team leadership makes her an invaluable asset. Her proactive approach to streamlining processes will enhance the day-to-day efficiency of the museum.

Debbie Cooper

Guest Services


With her warm personality and dedication to creating exceptional visitor experiences, Debbie will ensure every guest feels welcomed and valued. Her commitment will elevate the museum's reputation for outstanding service.

We are confident that Cheryl, Victoria, and Debbie will contribute greatly to the Elliott Museum's ongoing success and growth. Their combined talents and dedication to our mission inspire us all as we continue to serve our community and preserve our rich heritage.

EXHIBITS

UFOS DENIAL-DISCLOSURE-DISCERNMENT

Now through Aug 31, 2025

Venture through decades of secrecy, where government agencies have concealed evidence and sightings have been dismissed.


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SAVANNA CLUB FINE ARTS LEAGUE

Now through Jan 20, 2025

Explore a captivating display of local artworks featuring a variety of artistic styles and mediums.



LEARN MORE

A SCULPTOR'S JOURNEY

Now through Jan 3, 2025

Feel the soul of each work from renowned sculptor, Eduardo Gomez Rojas, known for his ability to capture the essence of the human spirit.


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THE CAPTAIN'S CORNER

Now through Dec. 31, 2024

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


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TESSELLATIONS

Now through Dec. 27, 2024



Tom Prestopnik’s artwork isn’t just for viewing, it’s an invitation to interact and interpret.


LEARN MORE


CHECK OUT ALL EXHIBITS

SPECIAL EVENTS & LECTURES

THE STORY BEHIND THE SCULPTURES

Saturday, Dec 7 and 21, 2024 at 1PM

Join us for special sessions where Eduardo will personally share the story behind his stunning sculptures.


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SHORE BIRDS OF FLORIDA LECTURE

Monday, Dec 9, 2024 at 2PM

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about Florida’s magnificent birds and their behaviors in a beautiful coastal setting with Dr. Forster!


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FUN FESTIVE HOLIDAY EVENT

Saturday, Dec 21, 2024 at 10AM-5PM

Enjoy Live Music by the Stuart Community Band starting at 1PM and as Special Gift to you, each adult admission includes a BOGO pass for a future visit to the museum!


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A UNIQUE & MEMORABLE GIFT FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Sunday, Jan 26, Feb 23, or Mar 23, 2025 at 3PM

Give a unique and memorable gift to share with your loved one of ever-changing melody found in Piano, Brass, and Strings from the Atlantic Classical Orchestra Sunday Concert Series.


GET YOUR TICKETS

CHECK OUT ALL SPECIAL EVENTS & LECTURES

I CAN'T THANK YOU ENOUGH

You have made this year one of our most successful and I can’t thank you enough. You bought bricks, adopted cars, artifacts at The House of Refuge, joined The Sterling Society, The Legacy Society, sponsored exhibits/events and donated throughout the year. Thank You!

 

And on a personal note, thank you to many of you who know I had recent medical challenges and worked remotely for months. Your support, cards, texts, calls, caring and love, have brought me to the wonderful, happy place I am … Back at The Elliott and looking forward to seeing and talking with you. Thank You!

 

 As always, we 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

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

LEGACY SOCIETY
BECOME A MEMBER
STERLING SOCIETY
VOLUNTEER
BUY A BRICK
SPONSORSHIP

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!

CHUCK GAZAREK


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

A month after I returned from Vietnam, I was in New Orleans at Tulane University working on my MBA. I graduated two years later, took a job with a bank in Washington State and worked my way up to be a Vice President in the Marketing Department. Later, I left to become a small business marketing consultant, teaching marketing and public relations for local community colleges, the SBA and the City of Seattle. Later, I went back to school and got a second Master’s (in Taxation), became an Adjunct Professor of Accounting at the University of Phoenix and went to work for the Boeing Company as a tax analyst. I worked there until I retired.



What are your special interests/passions?

I am fascinated by history; especially the Balkans and the two World Wars. I am passionate about sports cars and watches.


What is something that would surprise us about you?

I was featured in LA Dodgers magazine and got to stand on the mound with relief pitcher Eric Gagne in a game-day program as part of a Boeing volunteer recognition program. I started the fencing club at the University of Washington.


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

Difficult to say. When I have volunteered in the past for a variety of reasons; I am impressed by the organization’s focus, the programs are well-run, I can contribute and will enjoy doing it, and I will enjoy working with both employees and volunteers. The minute I walked onto the Elliott, I knew I wanted to get involved.


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

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 Goodwood Museum & Gardens in Tallahassee, FL.

VISIT THIS MUSEUM

A site for sober contemplation and remembrance

Goodwood Museum & Gardens, a former plantation, will create a memorial to all people enslaved on the property from approximately 1832 until 1865. A permanent outdoor memorial site has been chosen on a half-acre space adorned with several large live oaks and a bank of azaleas. The memorial will list the names of known enslaved persons, and will be a site for sober contemplation and remembrance.

FAST FACT

Which of these brands of automobiles is owned by Volkswagen?

A.   Bentley

B.   Bugatti

C.   Lamborghini

 

Answer: All of them.

Other well-known brands sold in America also owned by Volkswagen include Audi, Porsche, and Ducati motorcycles.

BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY EVENT WITH OUR TRULY UNIQUE VENUE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY TO ENJOY!

The Elliott Museum is a truly unique venue to host a most memorable special event, and an exciting backdrop to showcase your next private or corporate reception, meeting, seminar, or celebration. Individuals, businesses, civic groups as well as organizations may book event space for groups small or large. Check out the below space on our website and see which space fits your event.

  • Lobby
  • Exhibition Gallery
  • Forum
  • Car Gallery
  • Café
  • Second Floor Galleries
  • Outdoor spaces

I’m waiting to talk with you so I can help you plan an event you’ll enjoy and be proud of! Contact me today!

Debbie Banta

Director of Engagement

Historical Society of Martin County

Elliott Museum

Gilbert's Bar House of Refuge Museum


P: (772) 225.1961 Ext. 124

E: dbanta@elliottmuseumfl.org

SEE RENTAL  SPECS AND DETAILS

CAR CURATOR, JIM FERRARE

WE HAVE SOME FUN THINGS TO DO FOR AUTO ENTHUSIASTS DURING THE HOLIDAYS!!!


The weather is too perfect to simply sit at home over the holidays! Here are a few ideas to get the family or friends out and about! JOIN US...


  • CARS N COFFEE on the second Saturday of the month (12/14/24)
  • INSIDE GARAGE TOURS every Thursday at 11 AM (Please call to confirm)
  • TAKE A CRUISE in one of our classic cars (minimum donation required except 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, and more!

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

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

GET READY FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Get Ready for the Holidays with Our Latest Arrivals!


Explore our newest selection of books based on our UFOs Denial-Disclosure-Discernment exhibit OR take home these fun and cheerful Christmas items to warm up your home for the Holidays or as a perfect gift to share the cheer for loved ones this Holiday Season!


DON'T FORGET - Elliott Museum Members enjoy 10% off (excludes consigned items).


Visit the Elliott Emporium Museum Shoppe today and grab these fabulous finds before they’re gone!

EXPLORE THE WORLD WITH

THE MUSEUM TRAVEL ALLIANCE

Great news! As a valued member of the Museum Travel Alliance, members are exclusively invited to uncover fascinating art and history on these private programs led by a renowned expert Jennifer Dasal.

Members are invited to join these private journeys led by Jennifer Dasal, art historian, author of ArtCurious: Stories of the Unexpected, Slightly Odd, and Strangely Wonderful in Art History, and beloved host of the worldwide hit podcast ArtCurious. Her upcoming book, The Club: Where American Women Artists Found Refuge In Belle Époque Paris inspired the journey she is leading to Paris in May. Dasal frequently lectures and hosts international tours focused on artists like Vermeer, Van Gogh, Kahlo, and O’Keeffe. She previously served as Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the North Carolina Museum of Art for 13 years.

Mexico City, Featuring Zona Maco & Art Week Mexico City

with Jennifer Dasal, Lecturer

February 3 – 9, 2025

Learn More

Paris & the Belle Époque: Private Treasures From Impressionism to Art Nouveau

with Jennifer Dasal, Lecturer

May 3 – 10, 2025

Learn More

YOU HAVE SO MANY OPTIONS!

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

BROWSE FOR MORE CRUISES 

Museum Travel Alliance (MTA) 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


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

MINDFULNESS CORNER

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.

Spirit Speaks "Healing for the Holidays" with Medium Beth Lynch

Dec 17, 2024, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of inspiration, connection, and channeled messages directly from your loved ones in spirit. Get ready for an unforgettable evening of inspiration, connection, and channeled messages directly from your loved ones in spirit.

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

DID YA EAT YET? CHECK OUT OUR MENUS

MORE THAN JUST A HISTORICAL GEM

STEP BACK IN TIME!


Experience the charm of the House of Refuge, a treasure nestled between the waves of the Atlantic Ocean and the tranquil beauty of the Indian River Lagoon. As Florida’s oldest surviving life-saving station, this remarkable structure has stood as a beacon of safety and history since 1876, offering shelter to shipwreck survivors and now serving as a gateway to the past for visitors of all ages.

But the House of Refuge is more than just a historical gem—it’s a spectacular venue for life’s most memorable moments. Imagine exchanging vows against a backdrop of stunning ocean views, hosting an intimate birthday celebration infused with coastal charm, or gathering loved ones for a reunion steeped in history. From weddings to celebrations of life and office gatherings to artistic retreats, this venue offers an unforgettable blend of rustic elegance and seaside serenity.

For those captivated by the stories of the past, you can become a part of history by participating in our Adopt an Artifact Program. This unique opportunity lets you support the preservation of historic treasures that tell the tale of seafarers and shipwrecks. Each artifact carries its own fascinating story—like the Breeches Buoy, a life-saving device used to rescue sailors from doomed ships, exemplifying the heroism of keepers who braved stormy seas.

Whether you're here to celebrate, explore, or preserve, the House of Refuge promises an experience like no other—a place where the echoes of history and the laughter of celebration blend harmoniously. Plan your visit today and make your own memories in this one-of-a-kind setting!

Catherine Larson

Keeper of the House

Historical Society of Martin County

Elliott Museum

Gilbert's Bar House of Refuge Museum


P: (772) 225.1875

E: CLarsen@elliottmuseumfl.org

EXPLORE THE HOUSE OF REFUGE TODAY
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