In this newsletter
• We remember on Memorial Day
• Update from the HSMC president & CEO
• Opening reception for new exhibit This Thursday
• Preservationist of the Year Award presented
• HSMC supporters win Best of Show
• Hi Mindfulness to present new event
• Dine in style with a balcony view
• Food Truck & Car Show brings out the crowd
• Next weekly car show ~ Tuesday, June 1
• Cars & Coffee ~ Saturday, June 12
• A garage like none other
• Weekly garage tours continue
• A different gift idea!
• Host your own private party at the Elliott
• Volunteer opportunities
• Your support means everything!
• Elliott's Emporium Museum Shoppe
• Your Amazon purchases can help us!
• Willi Miller’s ARTSBLAST!
Update from the HSMC president & CEO
Good Day Everyone,

"The world is wide, and I will not waste my life in friction when it can be turned to momentum." - Frances Willard

It pleases me to no end to tell you that we can feel the momentum growing exponentially as we become a veritable “beehive” of activity at the Historical Society of Martin County. I can say with conviction that the level of activity on our campuses had skipped above what we were experiencing before the world turned upside-down. We are not looking back. Our seemingly tireless staff and volunteers are soaking in the smiles and spending quality time with our guests.
We are, without question, social beings. Every single time I find myself looking over a gathering of one sort or another in the museum, I become overwhelmed by the beaming, happy faces that are bathing in the renewed energy that seems to permeate any group gathering these days. We continue to find clever new ways to use our buildings and grounds as forums for interaction, engagement, and improvement. We intend to provide a warm and welcoming home for community service organizations, nonprofits, government, schools, and businesses as we work together to keep Martin County authentic. When I say authentic, I mean…natural and kind…Martin County hallmarks. That is who we are, and I hope we can make this snowball roll down the hill. 
"Nothing draws a crowd quite like a crowd." - P.T. Barnum

I asked a staff member for a quick update on what has been happening at the Elliott during the month of May and I was floored by the report. We have been host of one or more group activities on virtually a daily basis throughout the month. The activities, dress code, menu, audio/video needs, times, and set-ups are as varied as the spices in a bazaar. It makes me giddy when an islander asks me, “What was going on at the museum last night?” The crowds are accompanied by a renewed energy that is both contagious and addicting in the most delightful way.
Please keep your eye on this newsletter in the coming days. To assure that we can keep the beehive buzzing, we will be combing through a broad spectrum of activities over the next few months. Watch for lectures, movies, murder mystery, car shows, food trucks, art openings, music, and the “Hysterical Society Comedy Club.” Here are sample videos from a couple of brilliant acts that we will be featuring in the Forum at the Elliott in November:
Click here to see Ukulele Russ & His One Man Frontier Band and here to see the Gabe Stillman Band.

If these entertainers are not your style, fret not! We will be providing music and other diversions to suit all tastes, temperaments, and time signatures.
"The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever." - Jacques Cousteau
Rare is the day that I do not start with a long walk on the beach. The spectacular weather we have had in 2021 has made my daily constitutional even more compelling. I now find myself reluctant to make the turn and head back towards home when I reach my usual landmarks. I’m actually affording myself the luxury of walking just a bit farther at the turn or when I’m back at my starting point. If I am even casually reflective for a moment, I have to admit that walking on the beach is one of my absolute favorite things to do. I long to stay grounded, surrounded, and sometimes pounded by nature. The truly amazing thing is I get to go to work at the Historical Society of Martin County after my walk. I find I love my job, the people I work with, and this community. I want to keep going at the museum the same way I do at the beach. I believe in our mission, our vision, and our unlimited potential to improve the depth and breadth of the arts and culture community. I am profoundly grateful to be living in a place where I want to keep going. 

Be grateful for the smiles that surround you!
Rob
Opening reception for new exhibit this Thursday
OPENING ART RECEPTION

What: “Portfolios – Jane Lawton Baldridge, A Sea Story Girl"

When: Thursday, June 3, from 5-7 p.m. ~ Free to members, $5 non-members

Where: Second floor art gallery, Elliott Museum, 825 NE Ocean Blvd., Stuart

RSVP: Call 772-225-1961.

Come and experience the artwork of Jane Lawton Baldridge, a local artist whose artwork has been showcased as far away as the the Republic of Slovenia. “Portfolios – Jane Lawton Baldridge, A Sea Story Girl,” will remain on exhibit through October 31, 2021.
 
Jane Baldridge is an award-winning sailor, licensed boat captain, and accomplished mixed media artist. Her paintings reflect the movement, variation, and transformation of the ocean and rivers through color and light. Concerned with the ecological challenges facing waterways and coastal areas today, her current work focuses on sea level rise, the damage of plastics, and the threat of pollution to our environment.
 
Jane has shown in Lincoln Center, Times Square, the Louvre, Museum of Computer Art, Mint Museum, Cameron Museum of Art and Fayetteville Museum of Art, at the World Festival of Art on Paper in Slovenia, and she has an art print in the Library of Congress.
Preservationist of the Year Award presented
Niki Norton, chair of the Martin County Preservation Board, praises the Crarys.
Donna and Rick Crary with their sons, Christopher and Rick III
Anyone who has read the well-researched articles written by Rick and Donna Crary will agree that they deserve the prestigious Preservationist of the Year Award. At a recent Elliott Museum reception, the Martin County Historic Preservation Board presented the couple with the award. Donna is a fifth-generation Floridian who moved to Martin County in 1983. Rick, a lawyer by profession, grew up in Stuart. Both have won awards for their published stories in Indian River Magazine, including Rick's Epic Tale of Survival, a story on Jonathan Dickinson shipwreck survivor Robert Barrow and Donna's story on cracker cowgirl Iris Wall. The Historical Society of Martin County extends a hearty congratulations!
HSMC supporters win Best of Show
The outcome could not have been better for HSMC Sterling Society Members Charles and Jill Mitchell, who entered their 1926 Hispano-Suiza H6B convertible at the 2021 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance event.

The couple's rare car won Best in Show Concours d'Elegance. Their car beat out vehicles from entrants from all over the country.

The Mitchells’ Hispano-Suiza was purchased new by the King of Tunisia in 1926. It was rebodied by Chapron in 1932.

Read the entire story about the event and the Mitchells' Best in Show honors here.
Hi Mindfulness Forums to present new event
Deena Rahill, founder of HI Mindfulness Forums will be presenting a brand new event, Speaking To Heaven, from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 12, featuring Joseph Lobrutto III.

Noted by his peers as one of the best evidentiary mediums in the country, Joseph is on a fast track to becoming one of America’s most loved mediums. Tickets are $65 in advance and $75 at the door. This is a rare opportunity and space is limited. Sign up today and learn more here.
Tune-up Tuesdays

Deena also continues to offer "Tune-up Tuesdays" every Tuesday at 4 p.m. These are live, in-person sound meditation events held in the Elliott Museum's theater. Space is limited.

Pre-registration by phone is required. 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.
Dine in style with a balcony view
We invite you to dine at the Philly Down South Café! Located on the museum's second floor, take advantage of this balcony view, complete with ocean breezes. No museum admission is required if you're just coming to eat or enjoy a beverage at the restaurant.

The menu includes daily specials along with some of proprietor Jim Leary’s specialties, including Philly cheesesteaks, prime rib, seared salmon, pasta dishes, lobster roll, crab cakes and Caesar salad. The café also provides unique chef specials as well as delicious homemade desserts.The indoor eatery is open from noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and from noon to 3 p.m. every Sunday.

If you're coming off the beach or just want to order a to-go meal, you can savor the café's tasty menu selections from the eatery's first floor take-out window, which is now open from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

The café also is now offering Thank You Thursdays every Thursday for all frontline warriors. By showing their work ID they will enjoy 10% off entrees, half-priced drinks with the purchase of an entree, and half off the Elliott Museum admission to be used at their next visit.
Every Friday from 6-8:30 p.m., live music fills the air and on Saturdays, Forrest King hosts an open mic event from 2-5 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.
 
For pickup, reservations or private events, call 772-225-1961, or visit the website, www.phillydownsouth.net.
Food Truck & Car Show brings out the crowd
Combining the weekly car show with food trucks on the last Tuesday of the month is turning out to be a winner! Dozens of people came out to enjoy live music by the Juke Chapel Trio, tasty food and a free car show. Mark your calendar now for the next one on June 29 from 5 to 8 p.m. and be sure to stay tuned for all of the details!
Next weekly car show ~ Tuesday, June 1
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 106.9 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, June 12
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 June 12. 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.
A garage like none other
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.

Come out and join us for some garage fun! Donations are gratefully accepted.

To make an appointment or for more information, contact Jim at 305-878-7795 or email him at jferrare@hsmc-fl.com.
Weekly garage tours continue
Car Buffs! Our weekly tours of our auto collection and garages continues.

Car Curator Jim Ferrare (or one of his assistants) will head the way most Thursdays at 11 a.m. We recommend calling first at 772-225-1961.

The tour is included with regular admission. Members are free. Meet at the front desk at 10:55 a.m.
A different gift idea!
Looking for a different kind of gift for a birthday, anniversary or another special occasion?

Consider giving the gift of a joy ride in one of the vehicles from the museum's impressive car collection. All that is required is a reservation and a donation to the museum. Cary Brickman and his sister, Sara Brickman, posed for this photo before they were taken on his birthday cruise on May 18.

Contact Jim Ferrare at 305-878-7795 to make arrangements or email him at jferrare@hsmc-fl.com.
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
Tour Guides & Daily Docents Needed

If you are interested in history and love people — we need you! Come join our Volunteer Corp at the Historical Society of Martin County. Choose from a variety volunteer jobs, ranging from guest services to curatorial research. If you are already a daily docent and are interested in giving full museum tours, contact Director of Visitor Services Amie Smith at asmith@hsmc-fl.com.
 
Not interested in giving tours? – That’s OK! We have many volunteer opportunities available. Visit our website at https://hsmc-fl.com/volunteer-2 for more information.

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.
Come in and see our new selection of children’s books and stickers and these colorful bars of soap created by Lorelei Madison Soaps, a local business. 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!
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