A Letter From Our President & CEO

"The art of life lies in a constant readjustment to our surroundings." -  Kakuzo Okakura


"The most successful people are those who accept and adapt to constant change. This adaptability requires a degree of flexibility and humility most people can't manage". -  Paul Lutus


"In an era of rapid change, standing still is the most dangerous course of action." - Brian Tracy

We put forth a rigorous effort to be certain that our museum campuses are at all times "Calm, Cool, and Chameleonic." As we roll into the somewhat warmer days of a Florida summer, we hope you will remember to seek refuge from the heat in the climate-controlled and sometimes breezy environments of the Elliott Museum and the House of Refuge Museum. A few years ago, we made a conscious decision to put everything on wheels to allow us to reconfigure our museum spaces to provide unexpected and dynamic changes to surprise and intrigue our guests. With practice, we have become reasonably adept at being adaptable. In addition to our eclectic and rapidly rotating automotive, artistic, and smorgasbord of main gallery exhibits…we are saturating the calendar with lectures, lunches, libraries, live music, and luminous smiles. I invite you to keep an eye on our website calendar for dozens of ideas to get you out in the world when the weather outside is pounding.


Page two. I am officially so far down the UFO/UAP rabbit hole that you can only see my feet and sandals above the ground. I can say with great confidence that this exhibit is materializing into the adventure of a lifetime for me. The preponderance of verifiable evidence that we are assembling as the core of the exhibit is utterly overwhelming. Through a miraculously random twist of fate, I made a serendipitous contact with a brilliant and charming gentleman who created a very advanced AI organization in California. A few moments after meeting him, I mentioned that I was deeply engaged in creating an intriguing and compelling exhibit on the UFO phenomenon; he quickly replied, "I'm your man." We almost instantly agreed to partner up with the AI expertise being brought to bear to help create a knowledge base of extremely high-quality data that is continuously improved with self-vetting and real-time enrichment technologies. The truth is out there. We are determined to get to it.


If, by chance, this is my last newsletter blurb…I want to make sure to have someone on staff review the security camera footage surrounding the time of my disappearance. If you notice any Men in Black in the security footage, please climb to the top of the observation tower at the House of Refuge and blow the whistle.


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 & MUSEUMS

EXHIBITS

SURFING FLORIDA, a photographic history

Now Through August 16, 2024

Showcasing the history of surfing in South Florida to include Images, videos, photographs, and the actual surf boards that were used.



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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.


LEARN MORE

CHECK OUT ALL EXHIBITS

THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL EVENTS & LECTURES

WE'VE GOT A SECRET

(OR FEW)

Thu. July 11 & 18 at 3:00PM


Discover this 2 Part series of the Hidden Truths with Allen Herskowitz on “Secret History” of the US Classification System



LEARN MORE

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

Wed. July 17 at 11:00AM


Delve into the Deep Dark History of Submarines off the Florida Coast at the Elliott Museum!



LEARN MORE

104 YEARS OF SURFING HISTORY IN SOUTH FLORIDA

Thu. July 25 at 5:30PM


Tom Warnke will present a slide show “104 Years of Surfing History in Florida and the Treasure Coast”.



LEARN MORE

GO TO CALENDAR OF EVENTS

WE HAVE A NEW TRAVEL PROGRAM!

I’m so pleased to announce that the Historical Society of Martin County has joined the Museum Travel Alliance (MTA), a consortium of more than 115 museums across the country who offer travel experiences to museum members so they can enjoy cultural travel. 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 trips
  • YOU can meet and make new friends from all over the globe

 

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, The Ringling in Sarasota, and Frost Museum in Miami are just a few of the 100 plus alliance members. You can travel with like-minded people, enjoy tours led by renown curators and scholars, visit UNESCO World Heritage sites, while on board elegant, chartered ships, planes, and trains … much more! Size of travel program vary depending on type of trip and destination, but land programs are usually 25 or less, ocean voyages usually less than 75 and river adventures 50-90 people.

 

Visit our website https://hsmc-fl.com/travel/ for complete information. And an MTA trip advisor is waiting to talk with you at, 212-324-1893 or email trips@museumtravelalliance.com

 

I’m confident MTA will answer all your questions, but if you want to talk, you may reach 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 an HSMC member, you receive a subscription to Indian River Magazine AND for Family Level Members 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 Revs Institute in Naples, FL. For more information on this amazing museum, keep reading!

SEE SOCIETY THROUGH A DIFFERENT LENS!

Revs Institute is more than a car museum — it is a place to see society through a different lens. It is an invitation into a working educational institution dedicated to the study, preservation, conservation, and restoration of historically significant automobiles. Explore the rich historical materials and images that define the automobile’s role in society and motor sport. Step into the amazing world of meaningful cars at Revs Institute.

VISIT THIS MUSEUM

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
STERLING SOCIETY
ADOPT A CAR
BUY A BRICK
SPONSORSHIP
BECOME A MEMBER

TRULY A UNIQUE VENUE TO HOST A SPECIAL EVENT

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.

THE LOBBY

THE CAR GALLERY

THE FORUM

THE CAFE

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

GO TO OUR WEBSITE

THE CURATOR'S CORNER

ART & HISTORY COLLECTION CURATOR, CHESSY RICCA

These past few weeks have been sooo exciting and I will have an amazing story to share for August Newsletter. So check back next month! If you missed any past stories, tap button below.

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: (561) 308.8309

E: cricca@elliottmuseumfl.org

CAR CURATOR, JIM FERRARE

THERE'S SOMETHING GOING ON HERE!!!


Here are our routine fun car events for this month:

  • Cars N Coffee on the second Saturday of the month (7/13/24)
  • INSIDE Garage tours every Thursday at 11 AM (Please call to confirm)


Come and 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 all our 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

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. You can find Bob Whittles at the Boomerang on Friday afternoons.

BOB WHITTLES


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

For the 1st 30 years, I was in the auto parts business, the last 10 as fleet parts manager for the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s office. Then I did 18 years as a deputy sheriff in PB county.



What are your special interests/passions?

My wife and 2 grown children are my passion, my interests are, cars, cars and more cars; driving, building, or just looking at them.


What is something that would surprise us about you?

I am an avid tv cooking show watcher and I dabble in the kitchen.


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

The outstanding staff at the museum and sharing my knowledge with our guests visiting our car gallery.

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?

By 1930 car radio technology had shrunk to the point that radios were more practical than in their earlier days when they were huge. Some cities banned them. Arguments included concerns that they were dangerous distractions that could cause accidents to occur more frequently and lead to reckless driving. Sound familiar?

GET YOUR DREAM TRAVEL FOR 2025

Oaxaca, Mexico City & Puebla: Ancient to Contemporary Art & Architecture

Jan 12 2025 - Jan 19 2025

Learn More

Epic Journey Across Time: Cyprus, Rhodes & Turkey's Lycian Coast Aboard Emerald Azzurra

Apr 9 2025 - Apr 18 2025

Learn More

Turkey to Greece: Heroes, Saints & Emperors Aboard Emerald Azzurra

Apr 16 2025 - Apr 26 2025

Learn More

Timeless Islands of the Mediterranean: Valletta to Genoa Aboard Sea Cloud II

Oct 10 2025 - Oct 20 2025

Learn More

YOU HAVE SO MANY OPTIONS!


Explore more exciting adventures that come with knowledgeable guides who bring each trip to life with education and engaging stories. Whether you're looking for relaxation, adventure, culture, or education, MTA has the perfect trip for you!

PICK YOUR CRUISE 

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

SURF'S UP IN OUR STORE!

We are aligning with our cool exhibit, Surfing Florida, A Photographic History. Come on in and browse our fun surfing gift items. It makes the perfect gift for any occasion! We also have Jewelry, notecards, soaps, clothes, original art and so much more waiting for you. You’ll be amazed with the variety and quality! AND members receive 10% off purchases.

Shop today at the Elliott and at the House of Refuge!

A LITTLE SCOOP FROM LOCAL FRIENDS

TAP HERE TO VISIT THEIR WEBSITE

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.

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
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