A Letter From Our President & CEO

“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.”

“Adaptability is not imitation. It means power of resistance and assimilation.”

- Mahatma Gandhi

“All fixed set patterns are incapable of adaptability or pliability. The truth is outside of all fixed patterns.” - Bruce Lee

Evolving Wonder: A New Era at Your Museums


It may surprise you how a museum can be both timeless and perpetually unpredictable. At our two-campus Historical Society, a charming transformation is underway—a steady evolution into agile, multi-disciplinary arts and entertainment campuses that whisper, “Yes, we have a plan—but we may surprise you.”


Around every turn, you hear the phrase: “They truly have something for everyone, and a surprise around every corner.” It’s not just a catchy line—it’s a pledge. Our institutions operate like the Swiss Army Knife of museums: ready to pull out or unfold the right tool for each visitor, whether it’s a lecture on local pioneers, a concert amid classic cars, or a tour that ends in laughter under the stars.


The web pages of hsmc-fl.com illustrate the full breadth of dynamic programming—lectures, classes, special events, tours, concerts, and rotating exhibitions. These offerings are in a state of joyous flux, directed by a team of staff and volunteers who work relentlessly, 360 days a year, to keep the narrative fresh and engaging. Their devotion is visible in every nook of our spaces, every gallery wall, every stage and studio.


We remain ever open-minded to bold ideas—whether it’s immersive augmented stories of local history, daring art installations, or collaborations that cross genres and generations. This commitment to metamorphosis is literally on display, and the caliber of our creative production is earning respect not just locally, but across the region and state.


In the quiet moments of a museum’s life—after the guests depart and the lights dim—the promise still stands: regular rhythms of exhibits and events, yes, but also the unexpected twist that makes a Sunday into a “did-you-see-that?” kind of memory. So come in with curiosity. Shed your weekday cares. And step into a place where history dances with art, craftsmanship meets entertainment, and perhaps, just perhaps—you’ll find the surprise you didn’t know you were seeking.



Around here, curiosity isn’t just welcome—it’s practically mandatory. Bring yours along and let’s see what unfolds next.


Warmly (and historically yours),

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

INCREDIBLE EXHIBITS AND SO MUCH MORE!

WONDERFUL THINGS...THE RETURN OF KING TUT

Now through Apr. 30, 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 Apr. 30, 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

OPENING Sunday, Nov. 23


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

EXTRAORDINARY EVENTS & THRILLING LECTURES

LEGENDS OF THE HIGHWAY PREMIERE SCREENING & AFTER PARTY


Sunday, November 23 starting at 2PM


Step into the vibrant world of the Florida Highwaymen—artists who turned everyday landscapes into timeless masterpieces. Be among the first to experience the Legends of the Highway movie premiere and then keep the celebration going at the exclusive After Party at the Elliott Museum, where art, music, and history come alive.


IT'S MORE THAN AN EVENT!

It’s a cultural moment you won’t want to miss!

THE TOMB OF TUT

IS THERE MORE TO IT...?

Friday, November 7 at 10 AM


Explore the groundbreaking theory of Nicholas Reeves, that Queen Nefertiti may lie in an undiscovered extension of Tut’s tomb with acclaimed Egyptologist, Michael J. Marfleet.


LEARN MORE

IMPORTANCE OF BALANCE, FLEXIBILITY, AND COGNITION

Tuesday, November 11 at 1 PM


Stay strong, steady & sharp: Aging Well with Today’s Top Therapies. Join us for an educational lecture & live demonstration with Dr. Frank Giampietro, D.C.


LEARN MORE

REFLECTIONS ON RUSSIA: EVERYDAY LIFE TO IMPERIAL OPULENCE

Friday, November 21 at 1:30 PM


Join Jonathan Knaus as he shares a rare and intimate inside-look at two extraordinary decades living and working in Moscow (1991–2011) — a time of dramatic social change, cultural renaissance, and deep reflections on identity and heritage.


LEARN MORE

ENGAGING WORKSHOPS

PAINT YOUR RECIPE CARD & GIFT TAG BOOKMARK WITH DEBBIE ROBERTS

Thursday, November 6 at 1 PM


Combine creativity and cooking memories in this unique class! Participants will paint a beautifully illustrated recipe card and a gift tag bookmark to match featuring an apple pie.

THE BIG BROWN BUILDING

The other day while walking through the Elliott and talking with our guests, I met two young ladies from Ohio who were visiting friends in Jensen Beach. Because it wasn’t a particularly great beach day, with clouds and rain off and on, Jan and Susie decided to “check out the big brown building” across from Stuart Beach. Well, let me tell you, they were thrilled they did. And they were thrilled to share their enthusiasm with me for the “big brown building” they now know is the Elliott Museum.

 

I found Jan and Susie in the dazzling, sparkly Fabergé Imperial Egg Collection exhibit and they were mesmerized by not only the beautiful eggs, but by the photographs, and the stories that accompany every egg and picture. They said they had heard about Fabergé eggs but certainly hadn’t seen any. They laughed when they admitted they learned that Fabergé eggs weren’t made in France!

 

But what they said next, really touched me. They thanked me for bringing the exhibit to them “because we probably wouldn’t have seen it anywhere else … we’re not going to Russia, that’s for sure!”

 

I was extremely proud because this is what we do at the Elliott. We bring new learning experiences and opportunities often, we offer “up close and personal” views of artifacts, art, local history, automobiles … even King Tut treasures. I’m proud of the lectures, classes, workshops and all the other exhibits/events/activities we offer on a regular basis. Having spent time with Jan and Suzie, I came away more enthusiastic than ever knowing that we want every guest/member/donor/sponsor to experience, explore and enjoy the Elliott every day!

 

I look forward to talking with you when you visit … Contact me anytime directly at 772.225.1961 ext 110 or email: linda@hsmc-fl.com. Let’s make it happen soon!

 

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

FOR A TRULY UNIQUE AND UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE HOST YOUR NEXT EVENT WITH US

Unlike any other museum, the Elliott has 50,000 square feet to explore, premier exhibitions, walls of local art and history, renowned car gallery with over 50 vintage automobiles, baseball gallery second only to Cooperstown as the Elliott has more than 200 signed baseball cards, and so much more!


When you book your special event at The Elliott, we guarantee you will create unforgettable memories with your beloved guests.

Grace Phillips

Development Manager

Historical Society of Martin County

Elliott Museum

Gilbert's Bar House of Refuge Museum


P: (772) 225.1961 Ext. 124

E: gphillips@hsmc-fl.com

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, Janis Gibson.

JANIS GIBSON


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

I started in public relations, but spent most of my career in the dying field of print media. I was a real estate editor in New York for 13 years, then after a motherhood break was the copy editor for The Newtown Bee and Antiques & The Arts Weekly for 17 years. Concurrently, I was a freelance features writer for a chain of local newspapers.



What are your special interests/passions?

Reading, learning new things, doing things that help build community.


What is someting that would surprise us about you?

I am lucky with raffles; the biggest wins were a sewing machine when I was 13 and a bike tour in Italy about 15 years ago – I had to pay the airfare though!


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

Meeting people from around the country and world.

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 Florida Holocaust Museum in St Petersburg, FL.

Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, you’ll experience something new at The Florida Holocaust Museum (The FHM). We’ve re-envisioned every detail from upgraded security and enhanced accessibility, to a more immersive experience – so that every story is not only seen and heard, but truly felt.

THE SEASON OF JOYFUL REUNIONS

November marks the season of joyful reunions as friends return and our community comes alive with events and learning at the Historical Society of Martin County.


We’re thrilled to unveil on Sunday, November 23rd, a new exhibit featuring rare Highwaymen paintings, offering a vivid look into Florida’s natural beauty and cultural history. Join us for the premiere of Legends of the Highway at the Lyric Theatre and the After Party at the Elliott Museum, celebrating this iconic art movement and its lasting legacy.


As we reflect on the past, we invite you to explore your own photo collections. Every snapshot—birthday, beach day, or family gathering—helps tell Martin County’s story. Share your images with us and be part of preserving our community’s history.

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.

NOVEMBER'S FEATURED CAR OF THE MONTH - STEVE STEWART'S 2006 FORD GT


Meet Steve Stewart’s 2006 Ford GT! This stunning modern tribute to the legendary GT40 race cars that dominated Le Mans in the 1960s. Dressed in a striking Mark IV Red Clearcoat with bold white racing stripes sweeping across the hood, roof, and rear hatch, this masterpiece commands attention from every angle. The signature “FORD GT” side stripes complete its unmistakable look. Under the hood roars a 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine delivering 550 horsepower, paired with a six-speed manual transmission and a top speed of around 205 mph—pure American muscle at its finest.

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 (11/8/25)
  • 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

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 MTA BY ARRANGEMENTS ABROAD

SEOUL & JEJU ISLAND, SOUTH KOREA

From Ancient Traditions to Contemporary Art

October 13 – 24, 2026


Join Asian art scholar Chris Noey for a thrilling, exclusive cultural journey to Seoul and Jeju Island, contrasting destinations that showcase South Korea’s distinctive traditions alongside contemporary innovations.


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

THE FUN NEVER STOPS AT

THE ELLIOTT'S GIFT STORE

The seasons may be changing...up north, but the fun never stops at the Elliott's Gift Store!


Our best-selling coffee mugs are flying off the shelves — they look just like vintage popular brand oil cans. Visitors can’t get enough of them! Get one before they sell out!


For something truly elegant, discover our stunning necklaces, each featuring a dazzling Imperial Fabergé egg pendant. After exploring our breathtaking Imperial Fabergé Egg Collection exhibit, you’ll find these pendants to be the perfect keepsake or gifta way to carry a little piece of that timeless artistry home with you.


Whether you’re hunting for quirky conversation starters or something beautifully classic, The Elliott's Gift Store has the perfect fall gift waiting for you.


Stop by during your next visit to the Elliott Museum — you’ll be surprised at what you find!

THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE HOUSE OF REFUGE

History in the Making:

The Refuge Restoration and the Must-See Video Everyone Is Talking About

Exciting progress is underway! The House of Refuge’s materials have been carefully transported to Ohio for restoration, and anticipation is growing as we await her grand return.


Behind the scenes, our team is preparing three all-new exhibits—The Tempest, The Overlook Gallery, and While We Kept Watch—each telling a powerful story of resilience and coastal heritage.


We’re also seeking passionate docents, lecturers, and artists to join our community and help bring history to life.


The countdown to the House of Refuge’s 150th anniversary on March 10, 2026 has begun—and there’s something you can experience right now!


Watch our new 8-minute video and feel the spirit and legacy of this beloved landmark come alive.

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,

Catherine Larsen

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

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.

Master gong Player Mike Tamburo

November 13 and 14, 6:30 - 8:30 pm

Experience the Resonant Reverie: Gong Master Mike Tamburo's Exclusive Performance & Meditation Event - Only Two Evenings to Bask in Sonic Bliss!"

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.

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