In this newsletter issue
• Update from the President & CEO
• Tune into this inspirational Zoom session
• Elliott Museum shines at The Palm Event
• Music and more at museum's new café
• Take note, car enthusiasts!
• Celebrate by riding in style
• Next weekly car show: April 6
• Cars & Coffee: Saturday, April 10
• Supporting our local community
• Host your own private party at the Elliott
• New volunteer opportunities
• Your support means everything!
• Emporium Museum Shoppe
• Your Amazon purchases can help us!
• Give yourself the gift of a tune-up
• Willi Miller's ARTS BLAST
Update from the President & CEO
Good day everyone,

Look Where We Work!

We have often heard it rumored that when you are surrounded by beauty, you can, over time, develop an immunity to it. When I look at the photo below, I can clearly see the House of Refuge Museum and Elliott Museum nestled comfortably on one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in America.

Yet I fail, on a near-continuous basis, to appreciate the fact that I am living in a paradise. One of the most endearing and embraceable traits of Martin County is the justifiable truth that it is warmer, gentler, and calmer than any other spot on the peninsula of Florida.
The staff and volunteers of the Historical Society of Martin County are grateful that we are able to make our museums come alive with a heartfelt commitment to making every visitor feel like they might need a return visit soon. We all appreciate what a privilege it is to be working in what seems like the eye of a hurricane when the outside world is considered. When next you visit the Elliott or the House of Refuge, bring a pair of sandals for a walk on the beach. 

Look What We’ve Done!
If you have not visited the Elliott since the pandemic began, you have not visited the Elliott. I spoke with visitors who were returning to the museum for the first time since January of 2020…they said they felt like they had entered the Twilight Zone. They are coming back next week, earlier in the day, with the opportunity to have lunch at the Philly Down South Café and enough time to bask in the nostalgia of the wonderful new/old, Kitching General Store. 
The fish are finally biting in the Atlantic, and the anglers have been eating up the new “Lure of Florida Fishing” exhibit in the Changing Exhibit Hall. During the shutdown, we converted a large storage space into an intimate art gallery on the second floor of the museum. The walls of the “To Be Named” Gallery are currently graced with the remarkable and eclectic works of the Martin Arts Guild, including Sue Klahne, pictured above with her Castaway painting. Both exhibits will continue through the end of May.

The Historical Society of Martin County is soundly committed to promoting the notion that Martin County is indeed a bona fide Arts Community. When you take in the Martin Arts Guild exhibit, you will clearly see that we have already arrived. The level of talent we are blessed with locally is inspirational.
You will find yourself unable to pry the details out of me for the basket full of upcoming exhibits we are currently working on because I don’t know the details at this stage. I will give you some solid leads on what to expect by playing a quick round of word association.
Look for a good time and a relaxing visit,
Rob
Tune into this inspirational Zoom session
Mark your calendar now for this informative lecture by John Nelson. He'll be discussing two legendary champions of the environment: photographer Clyde Butcher and naturalist Nathaniel Reed.Called the next Ansel Adams by Popular Photography magazine, he is known for capturing landscapes throughout the world. Nathaniel Reed, former assistant secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior for Fish, Wildlife and Parks, served presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford in the 1970s. He spent a lifetime working to protect the environment.

Who/What: Zoom lecture with John Nelson

Topic: An Afternoon with Environmental Photographer Clyde Butcher and Naturalist Nathaniel Reed

When: 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 7

Where: Elliott Museum via Zoom. Click here to join us or copy and paste this URL into your browser: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82610109661?pwd=dE5BRFQraVoyRlYwMzVzaVdJK1pYZz09#success
Elliott Museum shines at The Palm Event
Deena Rahill and HSMC President & CEO Rob Steele stand before the Elliott Museum's 1941 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet.
HSMC Car Curator Jim Ferrare shows of the museum's 1957 Chevy Bel-Air convertible.
HSMC Director of Finance Vikki Tobiasz and HSMC Director of Engagement Debbie Banta relax with one of the museum's crown jewels, a 1914 Packard model 2-38 Phaeton.
The Elliott Museum won awards for Best American Classic for its Bel-Air convertible and Best Pre-war Classic for its Lincoln Continental convertible. The Elliott Museum award went to the Type 57 Bugatti.
The Elliott Museum was invited to participate in one of the area's most prestigious car events. Held at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, it was a day of celebrating for those who have a passion for very special automobiles. The museum showed off three cars from its impressive collection, as shown above. The event also attracted some of the most spectacular machinery, including some of the rarest-of-the-rare, modern day hypercars.
Music and more at museum's new café
While you're at the museum, take a break from your exploration and stop in for a bite to eat at the all new Philly Down South Café, which is located on the second floor. Or you may simply opt to enjoy lunch or dinner at the new café. No museum admission is required if you're only coming to the restaurant.

On Wednesday through Saturday, the Philly Down South Café serves lunch from noon to 3 p.m. and dinner from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Happy Hour is held from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday where an assortment of beer and wine is offered, two for the price of one.
Every Friday from 6-8:30 p.m., live music fills the air and on Saturdays, Forrest King hosts an open mic event from 2-6 p.m. Many musicians have been showing off their musical talents singing, playing guitar, piano, flute and more. If that's your thing, come and show off your own talent or just come and get a bite to eat while enjoying the music.
 
On Sunday, patrons can enjoy outside dining from the café’s food truck from noon until 4 p.m. The café is closed Monday and Tuesday.

The menu includes daily specials along with some of proprietor Jim Leary’s specialties, including Philly cheesesteaks, prime rib, seared salmon, pasta dishes, chicken Alfredo, chicken parmigiana and Caesar salad. The café also provides unique chef specials as well as delicious homemade desserts. For pickup, reservations or private events, call 772-225-1961, or visit the website, www.phillydownsouth.net.
Take note, car enthusiasts!
For those who like to work on their own classic car, truck or motorcycle, the Elliott Museum has opened up its garages to the local car community.

One local car enthusiast recently took advantage of this opportunity by working on his 2017 Grand Sport Corvette (pictured at right).

Come out and join us for some garage fun! Donations are gratefully accepted.To make an appointment or for more information, contact Ferrare at 305-878-7795 or email him at jferrare@hsmc-fl.com.
Celebrate by riding in style
Consider riding in style for your next special occasion, such as a birthday or anniversary, or give this opportunity as a gift. That's what Father Jim did for his 94th birthday! HSMC Car Curator Jim Ferrare took him for the ride of his life in this 2018 McLaren 720s.

You can take your own joy ride in one of the museum's exquisite cars from its diverse collection. All that is required is a reservation and a donation to the museum.

Contact Jim Ferrare at 305-878-7795 to make arrangements or email him at jferrare@hsmc-fl.com.
Next weekly car show: Tuesday, April 6
Lew's Crew Cruisin' at the Elliott is held every Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m., weather permitting, in the Elliott Museum's parking lot. In addition to a lineup of cool cars, the fabulous “Philly Down South” food truck is on site offering a delicious assortment of cheesesteaks, grilled items, and more.

Thanks to True Oldies Channel radio station for promoting the show. There’s a $3 fee to show your car and a portion of the proceeds are donated to the museum. Admission is free for guests, who are asked to remember to follow CDC guidelines pertaining to social distancing and wearing a mask.
Cars & Coffee: Saturday, April 10
Cars & Coffee is held the second Saturday of the month from 8 to 10 a.m. in the Elliott Museum's parking lot, weather permitting. The next one will be held on April 10Bring your pride and joy ride or just come and schmooze with other car owners and enjoy the outdoor ambiance. The event showcases an amazing display of different makes, models and years of vehicles. This event is free and open to everyone. Coffee and donuts are provided at a nominal charge.
Supporting our local community
The Elliott supported the Willoughby car show with four cars from the museum's collection. After the show, the 1914 Packard led the show cars on a slow tour around the Willoughby Country Club access roads. Onlookers got a chance to get an up-close look.
Host your own private party at the Elliott
Looking for a place to host a private party? Then consider renting space at the museum, whether it's for your business, organization or family event! For details, contact Debbie Banta at 772-225-1961, ext. 124, or email her at dbanta@elliottmuseumfl.org.
New volunteer opportunities
Are you looking for a fun, different and exciting way to spend your weekends? The Elliott Museum or House of Refuge may be the perfect spot for you to volunteer! Currently, Director of Visitor Services Amie Smith is looking to fill the following volunteer positions:

Elliott Museum Volunteer Opportunities

Car Gallery Docent: Saturday 1-4 p.m.
 
Visitor Services Desk Clerk: Sunday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 1-4 p.m. (or a mid-shift 11 a.m.-3 p.m.)
 
Museum Shop Clerk: Saturday: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and Sunday: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. & 1-4 p.m. (or a mid-shift of 11 a.m.-3 p.m.)
 
Tour Guide Docent: Saturday 1-4 p.m.
 
House of Refuge Volunteer Opportunities

Tuesday shift: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Two Friday shifts: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 1-4 p.m.

If these shifts at either the Elliott Museum or House of Refuge don’t work for you, we are always looking for weekday volunteers. Feel free to reach out anytime. If you (or someone you know) is interested, please fill out an application at one of the museums or online via the website, or contact Amie via email.
In addition, Amie is looking to create a membership committee. The HSMC thrives with a broad base of members. We are recruiting volunteers to form a membership committee to help grow our museum community. If you would like to join in on the fun and engagement, email Amie here.
If turtles are your thing, pick one of these special little guys at the Elliott Emporium.
Come and see our new collection of jewelry, handmade by Kendra Delano. Beautiful pearl and leather styles may be perfect for your new summer look.

No museum admission is required if you just wish to browse and shop.
Your Amazon purchases can help us!
When ordering from Amazon, please remember to go to smile.amazon.com. If you designate the Historical Society of Martin County, we will get a percentage of all of your purchases. Amazon automatically will make the donation to the HSMC. That's an easy way to help us at no cost to you!
Give yourself the gift of a tune-up
Tune-up Tuesdays

Deena Rahill, creator of Crystal Bowl Sound Vibrational Healing, is offering "Tune-up Tuesdays" every Tuesday from 2-3 p.m. These are live, in-person events held in the Elliott Museum's theater.

Space is limited. Pre-registration by phone is preferred but walk-ins are welcome. The cost is $25. Call 786-488-7782.

Deena also is happy to customize a private individual or group session. Call 786-488-7782 for more information.
Community news
The Jensen Beach Art League's Second Sunday Art Show's final event of the season in the Elliott Museum's parking lot will be held from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on April 11. Come and support your local artists at this free event.

For more information, visit jensenbeachartleague.yolasite.com.
For concise information on what's happening with the Arts Scene on the Treasure Coast, subscribe to Willi Miller's ARTS BLAST! at willimiller.com.
The Historical Society of Martin County
A Treasure on the Treasure Coast since 1961!
Two Museums on Hutchinson Island in Stuart, FL 34996
Elliott Museum | 825 NE Ocean Blvd.
Hours: 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. every day | 772-225-1961
House of Refuge • 301 SE MacArthur Blvd.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-4 p.m. on Sunday | 772-225-1875