WHAT A FUN FESTIVAL HOLIDAY EVENT | |
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The holiday weekend on December 21 was nothing short of magical at our Fun Festive Holiday Event! The air was filled with laughter, smiles, and the joyful sounds of live music that kept everyone tapping their feet and dancing along. From the moment guests arrived, it was clear that this was going to be an unforgettable celebration.
One of the highlights of the event was the incredible live sculpting demonstration by Eduardo Gomez Rojas. Watching him bring a masterpiece to life right before our eyes was truly mesmerizing. Attendees of all ages gathered around, completely captivated by the skill and creativity on display.
But the fun didn’t stop there! Families and friends enjoyed the new UFO exhibit and activities that added to the cheerful atmosphere.
The event was a perfect blend of community, creativity, and celebration. It was heartwarming to see so many people come together to enjoy the festivities and create lasting memories.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this event such a success. Here’s to more laughter, joy, and celebration in the year ahead!
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AWAKENING BY SAQA
Jan 10 through Mar 14
Textile artworks that reflect the creative diversity of ideas and methods represented by Florida’s SAQA members.
LEARN MORE
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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
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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.
LEARN MORE
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SPECIAL EVENTS & LECTURES | |
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HERONS OF FLORIDA LECTURE
MONDAY JAN 6 at 2PM at the House of Refuge
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about Florida’s magnificent birds and their behaviors in a beautiful coastal setting with Dr. Forster!
LEARN MORE
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BOB TALKS LECTURE SERIES
MONDAY, JAN 6 at 3PM
Popular presenter Robert Van Dellen, PhD, is returning to the Elliott Museum in the Forum with a new series of engaging talks.
LEARN MORE
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COASTAL COLORS PAINT OUT
JAN 11, 12 and 13 at the House of Refuge
Watch as artists capture this historic landmark’s timeless beauty and maritime heritage in their unique styles.
LEARN MORE
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WRITING IN TIME CALLIGRAPHY CLASS
MONDAY, JAN 13, 20, 27, and FEB 3
Unlock your creativity and master beautiful lettering techniques in a fun and inspiring environment in this hands-on, four-part series with Susan Gallager
LEARN MORE
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THE WRECK OF THE 1715 SPANISH FLEET
WEDNESDAY, JAN 15 at 3PM at the
House of Refuge
The Wreck of the 1715 Treasure Fleet and Real Pirates of the Caribbean by maritime historian Al Simbritz is back due to overwhelming interest!
GET YOUR TICKETS
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LEARN, IDENTIFY, DISCOVER, TO PROTECT
FRIDAY, JAN 17 at 2PM
Join us for an insightful workshop led by Seacoast Bank expert Clover Lawrence and learn how to safeguard from fraud schemes.
LEARN MORE
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CHAMBER SERIES I - CAFE MUSIC
SUNDAY, JAN 26 at 3PM
Be enlightened by the ACO Piano Trio explores ways in which popular and folk traditions inform classical music.
GET YOUR TICKETS
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SUPPORT TODAY … OR TOMORROW | |
Yes, it’s possible to support three organizations -- the Historical Society of Martin County (HSMC), The Elliott Museum, and The House of Refuge -- with financial gifts today or tomorrow. | | |
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How?
In addition to your membership, today you can financially support us through donations, our popular programs such as Adopt a Car, Buy a Brick, Adopt an Artifact or our prestigious Sustained Giving program, The Sterling Society. The Sterling Society provides significant and consistent funding to HSMC over a five-year period with annual giving levels beginning at $2,500. This significant and consistent commitment provides funding that offers stability and an increased ability to forecast and plan for the future of The Elliott and The House of Refuge. And there are incredible benefits of Sterling Society Membership.
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Tomorrow you can support HSMC, The Elliott, and The House of Refuge by including HSMC in your estate planning. What a great way to support the museums you love with no financial outlay today! The HSMC Legacy Society offers you incredible benefits and an opportunity to make extraordinary, impactful gifts so that our treasured museums will continue to enrich, educate, entertain, and engage future generations. | |
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You are always welcome to contact me directly – in fact meeting and talking with you about your wishes is what I prefer. You may reach me at 772.225.1961 x 110 or linda@hsmc-fl.com.
If you’d like to spend time getting familiar with both programs in preparation for our conversation, please visit Sterling Society Page and Legacy Society Page.
As always, we truly appreciate your thoughtful consideration and continued support,
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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
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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
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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. | |
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MERILIZ A. CARY
What did you do for a living in your career life?
I am an ecologist by training and by lifestyle. I continue to be fascinated by the myriads of relationships between animals, plants and the habitats they live in be it land, water or air. The research and the questions we face change every day. The basic premise remains the same. How do we strike a balance between our needs and the environment we live in?
What are your special interests/passions?
I have always loved writing stories. My stories are of people I have come to know, some lifelong friends and family, others through brief encounters. My characters come from different cultures and backgrounds. I like to explore. I especially like taking the road less travelled and learning about ancient history in situ. I do some gardening and grow orchids. I enjoy cooking what I grow and experiment with old and new recipes.
What is something that would surprise us about you?
I grew up in Istanbul and I learnt to speak four languages, Armenian, English, Turkish and French. I use languages to connect. I honestly can say I do not feel like a stranger anywhere.
What’s your favorite thing about volunteering at the HSMC?
People connections. People get involved with HSMC to learn, to broaden their point of view. I love being part of the learning process whether I am accumulating knowledge or spreading knowledge to others.
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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
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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 Arts Bonita in Bonita Springs, FL. | | |
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ENRICHING LIVES OF THE COMMUNITY
Arts Bonita is committed to enriching the lives of the community by providing opportunities for artistic expression, education, and appreciation. Arts Bonita has two campus locations-each dedicated to the visual or performing arts.
Arts Bonita is committed to enrich the culture of our diverse community by providing opportunities for artistic expression, education and appreciation in a supportive and nurturing environment.
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Where did the rumble seat get its name?
Answer:
According to TheHogRing.com, rumble seats began as an uncovered seat frame attached to the back of a horse carriage where servants sat. Sitting there was bumpy and jarring. They went out of style with the popularity of the automobile but re-emerged when automakers starting hiding bench seats in roadsters’ trunks, situated above noisy, “rumbling” exhaust systems.
https://www.thehogring.com/2016/09/15/where-did-the-term-rumble-seat-come-from/
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DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT THIS 2025! BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT WITH OUR TRULY UNIQUE VENUE FOR BUSINESS OR 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
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- Café
- Second Floor Galleries
- Outdoor spaces
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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! | |
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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
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WE HAVE SOME FUN THINGS TO DO FOR AUTO ENTHUSIASTS DURING THE NEW YEAR!!!
The Polar Vortex is not as bad here then up there! The weather is too perfect to simply sit at home over the Florida winter! Here are a few ideas to get family or friends out and about! JOIN US...
- CARS N COFFEE on the second Saturday of the month (1/11/25)
- INSIDE GARAGE TOURS every Thursday at 11 AM (Please call to confirm)
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TAKE A CRUISE in one of our classic cars (minimum donation required except for The Sterling Society members)
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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
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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
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FIND UNIQUE GIFT IDEAS FOR FRIENDS & FAMILY | |
See Our New Years Latest Arrivals! | | |
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Explore our newest selection of books based on our UFOs Denial-Disclosure-Discernment exhibit OR take home some fun and unique gifts from local artists.
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!
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EXPLORE THE WORLD WITH
THE MUSEUM TRAVEL ALLIANCE
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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 Renaissance art specialist Linda Wolk-Simon. | | |
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Your members are invited to join Linda Wolk-Simon, a specialist in Renaissance art, on two incredible European journeys. A longtime curator at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, she also served as Head of the Drawings Department at the Morgan Library and Director of the Fairfield University Museum. Currently, she teaches at the Institute of Fine Arts, NYU. She has organized exhibitions, lectured extensively, and authored catalogs, essays, articles, and reviews on European art. Her publication Raphael at the Metropolitan received an award for excellence from the Association of Art Museum Curators, and she was recently inducted into the National Jesuit Honor Society in recognition of her acclaimed exhibition and book The Holy Name: Art of the Gesù: Bernini and His Age. | | |
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Belgium & Holland: Bruges to Amsterdam Aboard Magnifique III
with Linda Wolk-Simon, Renaissance art specialist
May 4 – 13, 2025
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Timeless Islands of the Mediterranean: Malta to Tuscany Aboard Sea Cloud II
with Linda Wolk-Simon, Renaissance art specialist
October 10 – 20, 2025
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YOU HAVE SO MANY OPTIONS!
We look forward to seeing you on your next elegant cultural journey!
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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
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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.
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Wolf Full Moon
Jan 08, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Experience a unique sonic journey, distinct from all other days, where sound healing takes center stage, transforming your midweek into a symphony of wellness and harmony.
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Healing Crystals with Dez
Jan 29, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Unlock profound knowledge about the healing properties of crystals and discover their transformative power
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PHILLY DOWN SOUTH - AT THE TIKI HUT | |
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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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MORE THAN JUST A HISTORICAL GEM | |
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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.
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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! | |
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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
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