A Letter From Our President & CEO

“History is important. If you don't know history it is as if you were born yesterday. And if you were born yesterday, anybody up there in a position of power can tell you anything, and you have no way of checking up on it.” - Howard Zinn

“That men do not learn very much from the lessons of history is the most important of all the lessons that history has to teach.” - Aldous Huxley

“If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten.” - Rudyard Kipling

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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EDUCATIONAL & THRILLING LECTURES

THE TOMB OF TUT

IT'S PURPOSE & MYTHOLOGY

Friday, October 10 at 10 AM

Discover how the ancients viewed regeneration, the powerful Osiris Myth, and the sacred role of the Amduat (Book of the Dead) with acclaimed Egyptologist, lecturer, and author, Michael J. Marfleet.

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COW CREEK CHRONICLES:

FLORIDA’S PAST COMES ALIVE

Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 2 PM

Learn how Seminoles and cattlemen coexisted during the open-range era before barbed wire reshaped Florida’s landscape with award-winning journalist and historian Gregory Enns.

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WHAT SENIORS NEED TO KNOW

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 2 PM

Join Ildiko Haidacher for an easy-to-follow presentation that takes the confusion out of Medicare and turns it into clarity you can count on.

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MUSIC MAKERS: SOUNDS FROM A SIMPLER AGE

Friday, Oct 17 at 2 PM

Engaging presentation where guests will be introduced to four extraordinary Regina music boxes from the Elliott Museum’s collection.

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MYSTERIES OF TUT’S TOMB

A HALLOWEEN SPECIAL

Friday, Oct 31 at 1 PM

This Halloween, step into the shadowy world of ancient Egypt and discover the chilling secrets behind mummification with author Michael J. Marfleet.

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HOW CAN I HELP?

“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” ― Jane Goodall

Sometimes I’m asked, with a heart-felt preface, “I don’t have a lot of money, but I love the Elliott and want to do something …” When I receive this question or one like it, my heart is so touched. I know the person cares about the Elliott. How special is that?

Quite simply, every gift is important regardless of size. Every gift makes a difference. I write a thank you letter for each donation regardless of its size and the letter is signed by me and Rob Steele. President & CEO. Whether you adopt a bicycle for $100, donate $25 as part of year end giving, Buy a Brick for $250, fund a wish from our Wish List or any of the other ways you choose to help us, your gift is very important to us.

We are only viable, alive and able to do what we do for you and our entire community today, because of revenue from memberships, donations, Adopt programs, Brick program, The Legacy Society and The Sterling Society. The Elliott is not government funded. The Elliott does not receive grants. The Elliott is alive and well since 1961 because of people like you who cared and wanted to help then so you can enjoy today. 

Let’s talk … what’s important to you and how I can help you realize your wishes while helping the Elliott remain an integral part of our community’s rich history for future generations to enjoy, explore and experience. Please contact me directly at 772.225.1961 x 110 or linda@hsmc-fl.com.

As always, I truly appreciate your thoughtful consideration and continued support,

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

A TRULY UNIQUE VENUE FOR HOA & CONDO EVENTS

Planning your next Annual Meeting, Mixer, or “Welcome Back” party? The Elliott Museum offers a refreshing alternative to traditional venues — located right on the beautiful Hutchinson Island, just steps from the beach.

Our eclectic setting features vintage cars, local art, and rotating exhibits that add a cultural flair to any gathering. With a variety of rental spaces available, we can accommodate both intimate and large-scale events. Plus, our full-service catering options make planning easy and seamless.

We’re proud to support our local homeowner and condo communities by providing not just a space—but an experience. Whether you're hosting a formal meeting or a festive celebration, the Elliott Museum is here to help make it unforgettable.

Ready to elevate your next event? Reach out to me today to reserve your space and give your guests something to talk about!

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, Harry Burnside.

HARRY BURNSIDE

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

I spent 35 years working in operations for a natural gas distribution company. During those years, I had positions in Accounting , Supervisor Training , Labor Relations, and managing several area operations. Before retiring, I served as Director of Operations for our areas in Ohio.



What are your special interests/passions?

I enjoy playing golf and spending time with family and friends. I had the opportunity to volunteer during my working career and still enjoy volunteering today.

What is someting that would surprise us about you?

Well, I can’t sing, can’t read music and many friends would say I can’t dance either, but I enjoy playing and entertaining others on my Ukulele.

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

In addition to interacting with all the volunteers, it’s fun watching guests experience all the Elliott has to offer. The museum is a learning experience, especially for students, and it’s exciting to see that happen.

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 Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art (AGB) at Florida Southern University.

GILDED SECRETS: THE ROMANOVS AND THEIR FABERGÉ LEGACY

I am continually amazed at the staff and volunteer ecosystem that exists here at the HSMC, it is truly a place where we can go to get away from it all. We invite you to come regularly this season, there are so many new exhibits and stories to discover.

You will step into a world where opulence met artistry and where even an Easter egg could be worth a king’s ransom. This season, we invite you to explore the captivating story of the Romanov dynasty and their dazzling tradition of Fabergé Imperial Easter Eggs, objects so exquisite, they became symbols of a vanished empire.

From 1613 to 1917, the Romanovs ruled Russia with grandeur and vision. But it was under Tsar Alexander III and his son Nicholas II that the court jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé rose to legendary status. Beginning in 1885, Fabergé crafted a series of bejeweled eggs; each one a masterpiece of craftsmanship, surprise, and sentiment. Commissioned as intimate gifts, they often contain hidden treasures: miniature portraits, mechanical swans, or tiny replicas of royal carriages.

Today, only 46 of the original 52 Imperial eggs are known to survive. Their stories are as layered as the eggs themselves; lost in revolutions, rediscovered in dusty attics, and sometimes mistaken for scrap metal before being identified as priceless heirlooms.

This season, we’re bringing their legacy to life. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or simply curious about the glittering drama of the Russian court, our exhibit offers a rare chance to immerse yourself in the elegance and mystery of a bygone era.

Come see the craftsmanship. Come feel the history. Come be dazzled.

We can’t wait to welcome you.

OUR FEATURED CAR OF THE MONTH.

OCTOBER'S FEATURED CAR OF THE MONTH - KEVIN KNOOP'S 1980 SHAY SUPER DELUXE ROADSTER

Meet Kevin Knoop’s outstanding 1980 Shay Super Deluxe Roadster, a classic that blends vintage looks with later‐era mechanical reliability.

Built to capture the charm of a 1929 Ford Model A with modern Ford mechanics, this rare beauty blends vintage style with everyday drivability.

A true head-turner and a proud piece of automotive history!

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 (10/11/25)
• 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

COME TOGETHER WITH A GUIDED GROUP TOUR! 

Looking for the perfect outing for your condo association or HOA?

The Elliott Museum offers a unique cultural experience that transforms a casual trip into an inspiring shared adventure.

Led by our knowledgeable docents, your group will explore everything from rare classic cars and baseball memorabilia to fine art, local history, and world-class traveling exhibitions—including our two new premiere exhibits: Wonderful Things: The Return of King Tut and The Imperial Fabergé Egg Collection. 

Adult and youth groups of 10 or more qualify for discounted group rates, while children under six and all military (active/veteran) receive free admission. 

Tours last about 90 minutes and are an easy, affordable way to plan a cultural outing for your residents. Located just steps from the beach, the Elliott Museum is the ideal destination to enrich, entertain, and bring your community together!

For complete information and to book your tour, please contact Victoria McAteer, Operations Manager. I look forward to chatting with you!

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 gift — a 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

The transformation of the House of Refuge is unfolding before our eyes. Paint removal is now 80% complete, with the porch slats fully taken out for assessment. As expected with a 150-year-old landmark, much of the original wood has been lost to time, and the careful evaluation of repairs is still underway. Every board removed and every layer revealed brings us closer to preserving this irreplaceable piece of our history...LEARN MORE HERE

And there’s something you can enjoy right now. Our brand-new 8-minute House of Refuge video is complete! Watch it here and experience a powerful story that captures the spirit, resilience, and enduring significance of the House of Refuge. This is more than a history lesson. It’s a celebration of the people, the coastline, and the legacy that makes the Refuge a landmark cornerstone of Martin County....LEARN MORE HERE

We’re expecting many wonderful guests at our reopening, and sharing your passions with them is what we are all about. The Oceanside Lecture Series and our artist workshops are designed to inspire, share, and educate, connecting our community through stories, history, and creativity.

If you would like to learn more about becoming a docent, lecturer, or workshop artist, please reach out to us.

Warm regards,

MINDFULNESS CORNER

Speaking to Heaven

October 10, 6 - 8 pm

Witness Joseph’s outstanding demonstration of his Evidential Mediumship style as often seen on TV!

Needles Meet Notes!

October 17, 6 - 8 pm

A healing journey through acupuncture points and vibrational sound. A fusion of acupuncture and sound for deep energetic harmony.

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