In this newsletter issue ...
• Update from the President & CEO
• Have you checked out the new restaurant at the Elliott?
• Food Truck night: Wednesday, Jan. 20
• New exhibit opening!
• A fascinating glimpse of history
• Next weekly car show: Tuesday, Jan. 12
• Bring your imagination to life in 3D
• Volunteers needed and new membership committee
• Your support means everything!
Emporium Museum Shoppe
Your Amazon purchases can help us
• Multiple sound healing opportunities with Hi Mindfulness Forums
• Willi Miller's ARTS BLAST
Update from the President & CEO
Good Day everyone,

“Reading makes a full man, meditation a profound man, discourse a clear man.” – Benjamin Franklin

A few years back, I was fortunate enough to be invited to join up with a small band of uniquely learned gentlemen for a monthly discussion group that was based on Benjamin Franklin’s “Junto.” To this very day, I still consider these simple and ultimately wonderful hours passed in polite yet profound conversation to be a highlight of my life.

Please allow me to share some perspective from the archives of the Benjamin Franklin Historical Society:

In the fall of 1727, Benjamin Franklin and a group of friends founded the Junto Club, also known as the Leather Apron Club. The 12 members were tradesmen and artisans who met Friday evenings to discuss issues of morals, politics, or natural philosophy. The club lasted 38 years. Franklin proposed that the group be formed of “ingenious men –a physician, a mathematician, a geographer, a natural philosopher, a botanist, a chemist, and a mechanician (engineer).”
The American Philosophical Society was founded in 1743 “to promote useful knowledge. “ Today, it is known for its excellence in scholarly research and publications.

A branch of the Junto Cub was the American Philosophical Society created in 1743 and which still exists.

Members of the Junto club were avid readers and intellectuals involved in their individual improvement and that of society. The Junto was a launching pad for many public projects. Out of the meetings came proposals for the creation of the first lending library, the Union Fire Company, the University of Pennsylvaniavolunteer militiaPennsylvania Hospital, among other public projects.

The first public affair of the Junto club was the regulation and improvement of the city watch. They proposed taxing landowners in proportion to their property. Although the plan was not immediately executed, it prepared the minds of the people and paved the way for the law that was adopted years later.

To see a complete list of questions that were used in these meetings, click here.
“Where two discourse, if the one’s anger rise, the man who lets the contest fall is wise.” – Euripides

“Public discourse requires making an argument for a point of view, not having an argument – as in having a fight.” – Deborah Tannen

You may well be asking yourself, where is Rob going with this one? I’d like to consider the possibility of creating a Forum for Civil Discourse at the Historical Society of Martin County. As crazy as the notion seems, will you agree that the need for true civil discourse has never been more apparent?

The Elliott has a large multi-purpose room for citizens that would attend such a gathering in a safely planned environment, and we also have new, state-of-the-art video conferencing equipment that would allow people to watch and participate from home. The concept is based on the assumption that we can guarantee the civility of the discourse, which I am confident we can do. There is no limit on the scope and scale of the topics to be discussed. To begin, it might make sense to focus on localized threats and opportunities. But as we roll forward, we would remain wide open to earth-shattering and whimsical topics.

We are hoping for some feedback from our members and friends as we try to bring structure to the concept. Some may consider this a grand idea, yet I’m sure that others will call it crazy to even attempt such a discourse. What do you think? Do you think it is possible to calm the frenzied and often hostile state of discourse in our country at this juncture in our history? Would you attend or participate? And what local, state, national, or global issues do you think would be interesting? Do you like the format of a panel discussion or a debate?

I’ll patiently await your comments at rsteele@hsmc-fl.com. We are working at a feverish pace to create a continuous stream of safe, sensible, timely and titillating activities to get 2021 off on an upward trajectory. We hope you will join us for some fun and enlightenment in this bright, new year!

I remain, your civil and obedient servant.

Rob
Have you checked out the new restaurant at the Elliott?
It's a New Year and if you haven't already done so, we invite you to check out the Elliott Museum's new restaurant: Philly Down South Café. Located on the second floor, you can take in the museum and then experience the new café or just come for a dining excursion.

Currently, lunch hours are from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. seven days a week. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 4-7 p.m., you can partake in Happy Hour and enjoy wine or beer at 50 percent off.

Then, starting Thursday, Jan. 21, the café days and hours will change and dinner will be available! It will be open from noon to 3 p.m. every Thursday through Sunday (closed Tuesday and Wednesday), and will be open for dinner every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 5-9 p.m. Owner Jim Leary will host a Grand Opening on Saturday, Jan. 23, from noon to 8 p.m. Come on in for lunch or dinner. As for live music, entertainer Forrest King will lead an open mic session from 2-6 p.m. and then play some tunes during the dinner hour.

Starting January 21, Happy Hour will be adjusted to 3-6 p.m. every Thursday, Friday and Saturday where an assortment of delightful beers and elegant wines will be two for the price of one.

Jim offers delicious daily specials and cites some of his favorites as 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.
Come out for an evening of food and fun!
Outdoor dining at the Elliott Museum
Jim Leary, owner of Philly Down South Café, is a busy man! In addition to running his new café, he'll also be hosting another food truck event in the Elliott Museum parking lot on Wednesday, Jan. 20, from 5-9 p.m. Come and satisfy your taste buds. Select your dish from various food trucks while enjoying live music, as well as a beer and wine bar.
New exhibit opening!
The Lure of Florida Fishing - New Exhibit at the Elliott Museum
January 21 – May 31, 2021
 
Martin County is noted as the Sailfish Capital of the World and has attracted the most avid of anglers — including presidents, commercial fishermen, and world class sport fishermen to fish the waters off our beautiful coast. The Lure of Florida Fishing exhibit showcases the rich history, evolution and art of this age-old sport and its impact on a local and statewide scale. Explore vintage as well as state-of-the-art equipment, mounts, sculpture, and hand-crafted lures for fresh and saltwater fishing. And see what you can reel in on a fishing simulator!

The opening reception for The Lure of Florida Fishing exhibit is on Thursday, Jan. 21, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Enjoy an array of fish-themed snacks and cash bar. Suggested donation is $10 for members, regular admission for non-members, and half price if you’re wearing fishing attire or a flotation device!

Don’t let this one get away… The Lure of Florida Fishing will be on exhibit at the Elliott Museum through May 31, 2021. For details, visit our website at www.hsmc-fl.com.
A fascinating glimpse of history
Settle in for 15 minutes to watch this fascinating and entertaining interview with Florida Hall of Fame artist James Hutchinson and his son Kevin, an impressive artist in his own right, who captures the natural beauty of Florida and the Bahamas.

James Hutchinson has long enjoyed a reputation as one of America's truly great impressionist landscape artists. Among the insights provided in this interview: How the Elliott Museum got its start, how James and his wife lived with Native American tribes and artistically captured their lives, how Kevin would like to carry on his father's legacy, and why museums are important today. Catch this episode here!
Next weekly car show: Tuesday, Jan. 12
Lew's Crew Cruisin' at the Elliott is held every Tuesday from 5 to 8 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.

We thank the 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.
Bring your imagination to life in 3D
Included in the cost of admission to the Elliott Museum, you can explore the Makerspace Lab with eight computer stations, four 3-D printers and two die-cut machines. You are only limited by your imagination!

Helpful docents are on hand to help you from start to finish. Get a preview in this video! In addition to the 3D creations, you can create your own animated movies and paper engineering projects.
Images from the Artists & Multi-Media Giants exhibit present a world that’s larger-than-life, where a picture has the power to convey a thousand words, ignite an infinite realm of imagination, and create a limitless source of smiles. On loan from the Lighthouse Art Center in Tequesta, this captivating exhibit is a whimsical gallery of madcap characters from eight of the world’s leading animation artists: Carter Goodrich, David Biedrzycki, Bryan Ballinger, Kevan Atteberry, Marty Kelley, Matt Ficner, Patrick Girouard and Russ Cox.
Mark your calendars
Two upcoming events: Cars & Coffee is held the second Saturday of the month from 8 to 10 a.m. in the Elliott Museum's parking lot. The next one will be held on February 13. Bring 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.
The Jensen Beach Art League's Second Sunday Art Show has returned for another great season. It is held the second Sunday of each month from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. now through April in the Elliott Museum parking lot. The next one will be February 14. Come and support your local artists at this free event. For more information, visit jensenbeachartleague.yolasite.com.
Volunteers needed & new membership committee
How would you like to spend your spare time volunteering at the oldest building in Martin County? It's right on the beach, too! If you (or someone you know) is interested, please fill out an application at one of the museums, or go to the website, or contact Director of Visitor Services Amie Smith via email. A variety of volunteer positions are available, including docent, visitor services, and exhibit and facilities services.
In addition, Amie would like 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.
For beach reading and patio watching, we have all sorts of goodies at the Elliott Emporium. Make a plan today to visit. Remember you can always visit the Shoppe without purchasing admission to the museum.
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!
Multiple sound healing opportunities
with Hi Mindfulness Forums
Deena Rahill, creator of Crystal Bowl Sound Vibrational Healing, is offering a wide range of formats.

Cultivate the wellness, focus, and productivity of your team
If your organization would like to support its employees by balancing their well-being, now is the time to explore a virtual sound healing! Sound helps to establish the pathway to a place of stillness, creating balance for the mind and the body, as well as revitalizing health. This vibrational flow of energy will help your team to reduce stress, increase clarity, elevate energy and sharpen their focus.

In-person experience
Would your family or a group of your friends or colleagues enjoy being together in the same room for a sound vibrational session? Schedule a private in-person session for the group located at the Elliott Museum theater for four to 10 people.

Common Community TV Channel
Are you an organization or a community with a common TV channel who would like to offer a virtual sound vibrational experience for your residents in the comfort of their own homes?

Deena will personalize your experience exclusively for your groups, entire workplace, or your community so that they can all tune in together. Call to schedule your session at 786-488-7782.
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