A Letter From Our President & CEO

“Don’t wait. The time will never be just right.” - Mark Twain

“The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.” - Michael Altshuler

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” - J.R. R. Tolkien

Time, That Mischievous Rascal

Well folks, the Summer Solstice has officially waltzed past us—June 20th to be precise—and with that, our daylight hours are now doing the slow, silent shuffle back toward December. Ain’t it curious how Time, that slippery rascal, keeps marching on whether we’re ready or not?

Now, speaking of calendars, let’s tip our hat to Pope Gregory XIII, whose Gregorian calendar has been calling the shots since 1582. It’s not perfect—leap years, uneven months, and all that—but it’s still beating sundials and goat entrails. Yet there’s a plucky alternative out there called the 13-Moon, 28-Day Calendar, which, I must admit, makes a good deal more sense. Thirteen months, each with four tidy weeks—no oddball leftovers, no end-of-month confusion, just in harmony with the lunar rhythms. But alas, logic rarely wins popularity contests. Coincidentally, the outside ring of a turtle's carapace consists of 13 dorsal scutes or epidermal laminae... one for every lunar month of the year. Additionally, there are 28 small plates around the edge of the turtle's shell, one for each day in the lunar month.

And then there’s Daylight Saving Time—an invention dreamed up in wartime and kept around like a houseguest no one quite knows how to ask to leave. We spring forward, we fall back, and half of us forget to change the clocks. Lawmakers keep trying to toss it out, but so far it clings on like chewing gum to a shoe.

Now, if your curiosity about time hasn’t timed out yet, consider this: the first mechanical clocks in Europe rang bells for monks to pray, and wristwatches were once just for ladies—until World War I made punctuality a matter of life and death. Today, we’ve got atomic clocks that don’t lose a second in millions of years, but we still can’t seem to be on time for dinner.

Here at the Elliott Museum, we run like clockwork—open every day, 10 to 5, and we promise that time spent with us is time well spent. But don’t delay: our UFO exhibit vanishes after August 31st, and we’d hate for you to miss it. Our staff and volunteers are standing by, ready to take all the time it takes to make your visit charming, memorable, and timeless.

See you soon. Tick-tock,

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

WORKSHOP FUN!

CHRISTMAS IN JULY!

Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at 2PM

Join us for a festive watercolor workshop with artist and teacher Debbie Roberts! You’ll create your very own hand-painted holiday cards—no drawing skills needed!

Perfect for beginners—just come ready to have fun!

Cost: $25/Person | Seating is Limited!

GET TICKETS HERE

EXHIBITS

NEW EXHIBIT ANNOUNCEMENT

HOUSE OF REFUGE AT THE ELLIOTT

While the House of Refuge is closed for restoration over the summer of 2025, we have curated some of her most precious treasures to tell the story of how and why Martin County’s oldest building filled a need in shipwreck rescue and salvage in 1876.

INCREDIBLE STORIES AND SO MUCH MORE!

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

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

ROGER VAIL PAINTINGS

PERMANENT EXHIBIT

We are honored to be the stewards of eight extraordinary paintings that stood out immediately when we began inventorying our collection.

LEARN MORE

GRUMMAN'S LEGACY

PERMANENT EXHIBIT

From the F-14 Tomcat to community impact, Grumman’s legacy lives on in Martin County. Discover how Plant 77 and Witham Field helped shape aerospace history and local life.

LEARN MORE

CHECK OUT ALL EXHIBITS

KING TUT, A MUMMY, & FABREGE EGGS ... OH MY!

You’ve come to expect The Elliott to be the eclectic fun place that you can experience, explore and enjoy every day! Did I say eclectic? How about this ...

Opening Friday, September 19^th, in our Main Gallery, “Wonderful Things ... The Return of King Tut” opens. You’ll only be able to enter the Gallery through a specially designed and created “cave.” We want you to experience the excitement and wonder of Howard Carter, the British archaeologist and Egyptologist who discovered the intact tomb of the Boy King’s 1922.

You’ll see more than 50 items and 70 treasures from Tut’s tomb but also greeting you will be a replica of King Tut’s Mummy! And, we have other surprises awaiting you such as an AI Holobox Hologram ... Wait until you see who you get to “meet” and “talk with”!

As if this wasn’t enough, we’re also opening on the same day in the 2^nd Floor Gallery, a never-seen exhibit, The Fabergé Imperial Egg Collection. This awe-inspiring exhibit will feature 50 meticulously crafted replica Fabergé Imperial eggs! Originally created between 1885 and 1916 for the Russian Imperial family, these eggs are dazzling pieces of astonishing craftsmanship each holding a hidden surprise inside.

Excitement abounds at the Elliott, and I invite you to experience, explore and enjoy it every day. And I hope you will consider being a sponsor of one or both of our extraordinary exhibits. Sponsorship opportunities begin at $5,000 for the eight-month exhibits and there are incredible benefits ... one popular benefit for professionals/businesses is exclusivity ... Let’s talk soon. Please contact me at 772.225.1961 ext 110 or email: linda@hsmc-fl.com. Better yet, visit the Elliott ... I welcome the opportunity to talk with you.

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

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

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, Ed Clas.

EDWARD CLAS

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

l was a professional mechanic for 42 years, and although retired l still work on my own cars, as well as family and friends’ cars.

What are your special interests/passions?

My passions/special interests are restoring cars, and watching my beloved New York Mets play.

What is someting that would surprise us about you?

l was once awarded the Medal of Honor from then Mayor of NYC Michael Bloomberg and l also got to throw out a ceremonial first pitch at Citifield, for saving 2 little boys and their Grandmother from a burning building.

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

My favorite thing about volunteering is getting the opportunity to meet and spend time with so many visitors from all over the country and countries around the world!

MORE ABOUT OUR VOLUNTEERS

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS

Join the Heartbeat of Historical Society of Martin County!

Our amazing volunteers bring history, art, and culture to life—creating exciting and enriching experiences for our visitors every day! Whether you love engaging with guests, or assisting behind the scenes, there’s a place for you on our team. From customer service to special programs, your passion and enthusiasm make all the difference!

Ready to be part of something special?

JOIN OUR VOLUNTEER FAMILY TODAY!

LEARN MORE

BIG NEWS AT THE ELLIOTT MUSEUM!

We now offer our GUIDE ID Audio tours if FOUR languages:

English | French | Spanish | German

Whether you're visiting from across the globe or just brushing up on a second language, your museum experience just got a major upgrade!

So, What is Guide ID?

It’s our super cool handheld audio guide device that lets you explore the museum at your own pace. With 33 stops throughout the museum, it shares stories, facts, and insights you won’t find on the display labels.

How does it work?

Just point and listen! Aim the device at the marked exhibits and it will instantly play the audio—like magic!

Want to try it?

Just ask for a Guide ID at the front desk when you arrive!

EXPLORE | LISTEN | LEARN - in your language!

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR GUIDE ID

Thank you for your continued support!

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 Clewiston History Museum in Clewiston, FL.

VISIT THIS MUSEUM

"The history of Clewiston is as rich as the soil she sets on. As vast as the big lake she stands beside."

Established in 1984, the Clewiston Museum serves as a place for all to discover the unique history surrounding the Hendry/Glades area of South Florida.

MY GOAL - COMPLETE AN AMBITIOUS INVENTORY

Part of my big goal for the year is to complete an ambitious inventory of all items in the museum’s collection. While this sounds like a daunting job, I feel a real need to put my hands on every object, artifact and document that I am taking responsibility for.

Our collection spans such different genres because at the heart of it all, this is the community’s place and the stories we tell are based on the people who have lived here. From Vaugn Monroe’s Chief Headdress presented to him by the Seminole Tribe along with the designation of Chief Roaring Mouth, to the newsworthy Christmas collection of toy animals presented to the HSMC by Emmiline Paige and paintings by the greats like Samuel Margolis and Alberto Vargas, the back storage areas are full of stories that evoke the feel of what came before.

AND THAT'S NOT ALL! READ MORE HERE

Jes Robinson

Creative & Collections Director

Historical Society of Martin County

Elliott Museum

Gilbert's Bar House of Refuge Museum

P: (772) 225.1961 Ext. 125

E: jrobinson@elliottmuseumfl.org

OUR FEATURED CAR OF THE MONTH.

YOU HAVE TO COME AND SEE THIS!

1930 Cadillac – A Classic Beauty That Defined an Era

Beat the summer heat and step into cool automotive history!

For the month of July, the Elliott Museum proudly features a stunning 1930 Cadillac on display in our automotive gallery. This vintage gem is owned by local car enthusiast Jim Serra, who has generously allowed us to showcase his prized vehicle for all to admire.

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.

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

EXPLORE THE WORLD WITH

THE MUSEUM TRAVEL ALLIANCE

EXCLUSIVE MEMBER OPPORTUNITY

DUBLIN TO BELFAST

Ireland & Northern Ireland’s Splendid Estates & Private Collections with Alice W. Iglehart, Lecturer

JUNE 9 - 17, 2026

Join the Museum Travel Alliance on the Emerald Isle for exclusive access to private castles

overlooking the raging sea, neoclassical gardens, and historic family collections. From Dublin to Belfast, explore art that shaped Irish identity, walk ancestral lands, and trace Ireland’s complex story through its great houses and gardens.

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore history where it happened—spaces are limited!

DOWNLOAD PDF DETAILS HERE

YOU HAVE SO MANY OPTIONS!

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

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

BROWSE FOR MORE ADVENTURES

A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS AT THE

HOUSE OF REFUGE!

AND WE WANT TO SHARE IT WITH YOU!

Not just in bricks and beams, but in heart and history.

As we celebrate $1.7 million in restoration funding to preserve this treasured landmark, we also say a heartfelt farewell to our beloved Keeper, Michael Phillips. For 15 years, Michael was the soul of the House—sharing its stories, protecting its legacy, and welcoming generations of visitors with warmth and wisdom. In honor of his service, a special rocking chair will grace the porch he loved, so every guest can sit where the Keeper once watched over the sea.

Somatic Breathwork

Join master instructor Jamael Rahill for a one-of-a-kind breathwork experience — a safe, transformational journey into somatic healing, emotional release, and expanded consciousness.