A Letter From Our President & CEO

“Look, you can’t take people off their planet willy-nilly. It’s called alien abduction, and is frowned upon in the most respectable circles.” S. E. Anderson

“Being abducted by aliens might be just the vacation I need at this point” - Unknown

"At this point, if I get picked up by aliens, I’m just going to consider it a rescue mission and not an abduction.” - Unknown

FASCINATING WORKSHOPS

MARCH 12

HOUSE OF REFUGE

Watercolor Workshop

by Carl Stoveland

Learn to create vibrant, well-designed watercolor paintings inspired by the House of Refuge’s breathtaking coastal scenery.

MARCH 22

THE ELLIOTT MUSEUM

Alla Prima Painting Workshop

by Ralph Papa

Master the alla prima (wet-on-wet) oil painting technique, perfect for capturing light, depth, and expressive color in a single session.

MARCH 27

THE ELLIOTT MUSEUM

Waves: Create the Glow

and Movement

by Chris Kling

Discover how to paint realistic, glowing waves with movement and depth using oils.

SPECIAL EVENTS

CHAMBER SERIES III - Top Brass

Sunday, Mar 23, 2025 at 3PM

The last of the three Chamber Series! The ACO Brass Quintet returns with a range of music both written, and arranged for brass. A suite from Leonard Bernstein’s indelible West Side Story showcases the full range of expression, lyricism, and power of this virtuoso ensemble. Original works from the brass quintet literature round out the program.

EXHIBITS

UFOS DENIAL-DISCLOSURE-DISCERNMENT

Now through Aug 31, 2025

Venture through decades of secrecy, where government agencies have concealed evidence and sightings have been dismissed.

LEARN MORE

PLEIN AIR BY RALPH PAPA

Mar 21 through Jul 25, 2025

Showcases the depth and versatility of an artist whose works range from introspective studio paintings to dynamic plein air landscapes.

LEARN MORE

COASTAL COLORS

PAINT OUT

Now through May 16, 2025

Experience a fresh perspective on the House of Refuge’s enduring legacy through the eyes of 40 local, talented artist paintings.

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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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LECTURES

Exclusive UFO Lecture Series at the Elliott Museum!

Starting on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 3:30 PM

Join Rob Steele, creator of the Elliott Museum’s widely acclaimed exhibit, UFOs: DENIAL – DISCLOSURE – DISCERNMENT, as he shares exclusive insights and behind-the-scenes stories about this groundbreaking exhibit.

LIVING ON ORBIT

Friday, Mar 7 at 2PM

Join us for an out-of-this-world lecture with retired NASA Astronaut Sherwood “Woody” Spring!

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BOB TALKS

Monday, Mar 10 at 3PM

Popular presenter Robert Van Dellen, PhD, is back with a new series of engaging talks on enduring themes in literature.

LEARN MORE

UNLOCK THE SECRETS OF THE DIGITAL WORLD

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 3PM

Learn how to navigate technology and explore the amazing possibilities of Artificial Inteligence, by Frank Fender.

LEARN MORE

Announcing 2025-2026 Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsoring any of our Special Events, Lectures, Entertainment, Exhibits, and/or Premiere Exhibit is easier than ever for individuals/ businesses/firms. Sponsorships are available beginning at $1,500 and provide incredible benefits for businesses/firms that truly provide the brand recognition and promotion needed to increase company awareness.

Benefits of sponsorship include exclusive sponsorship per profession/business category, reserved seating, Meet and Greet, complimentary tickets, preopening VIP Receptions and so much more! Whether sponsoring as an individual or business, you will be providing support, education, entertainment, and growth opportunities for not only the Historical Society of Martin County, The Elliott, and The House of Refuge but our community as well.

With the availability of exclusive sponsorships per business/profession category, it’s important we talk soon!

As always, we 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

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 we would like to highlight our beloved volunteer Ralph Olesen who can be found tinkering in our garage multiple times a week!

RALPH OLESEN

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

Electrical engineer



What are your special interests/passions?

-Sailing

-The restoration of my 1953 Cisitalia

-Working on interesting projects: car repair/restoration, boat repair and improvements, and “urban renewal” (house repair and improvement).

What is something that would surprise us about you?

Still driving a pick up truck (first new vehicle I ever bought ) that I have had for over 1/3 of my life (won’t say the year because it will give away how ancient I am).

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

The people in the shop while working on a lot of old cars that I do not have to own or store.

CALLING OUT FOR VOLUNTEERS!

Join the Heartbeat of the Elliott Museum and

the House of Refuge!

Our amazing volunteers bring history, art, and culture to life—creating exciting and enriching experiences for our visitors every day! Whether you love engaging with guests, assisting behind the scenes, or helping with hands-on art activities, there’s a place for you on our team. From customer service to special programs, your passion and enthusiasm make all the difference!

Ready to be part of something special?

JOIN OUR VOLUNTEER FAMILY TODAY!

EXCITING NEWS! MOBILE AUDIO LINK NOW AVAILABLE!

We’re thrilled to offer mobile audio links for exhibits at both the Elliott Museum and the House of Refuge!

Guests can now access our engaging exhibit narrations by scanning a QR code on-site or clicking the button below:

Explore history at your own pace, anytime, anywhere. Don’t miss this immersive new way to experience our museums!

Thank you for your continued support!

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 Pérez Art Museum Miami.

THIS SPRING, HOST AN EVENT TO REMEMBER

The Elliott Museum is a truly unique backdrop to showcase your next private or corporate reception, meeting, seminar, or celebration-- and our staff of event professionals will make it easy for you to take your hosting to the next level. From casual get-togethers to the most elegant of themed affairs, the Elliott Museum is the most exciting event venue on the Treasure Coast!

Individuals, businesses, and organizations may book event space for groups small or large. Event space includes:

• Lobby
• Exhibition Gallery
• Forum
• Car Gallery

• Café
• Second Floor Galleries
• Outdoor spaces

Capacity and functionality vary in relation to the footprint of exhibits on display at the time of the event. AV equipment and a stunning baby grand piano are also available on site. Special pricing is offered for qualifying HSMC members and sponsors.

Catering and full beverage service including beer, wine and alcohol are available exclusively through Philly Down South at the Elliott, our in-house full-service restaurant and catering service. Custom menu and beverage options are tailored to suit a variety of events.

I welcome you to contact me to discuss your event planning needs. We look forward to hosting your next event at the Elliott Museum!

EXCITING CHANGES COMING SOON!

“Can you believe I’ve had my one-year anniversary this past month? Well, I can’t—time flies when you’re having fun! In the last year, I’ve made solid friendships, learned more about my community, and discovered so many people who are just like me—people who want the best for our community and who are not afraid to work hard to do the right thing. Each day, I am grateful to add my labor and skills to the pool of those working to preserve our memories of this area and sustain the links to the past that help to inform our future.

We have some exciting changes to permanent exhibits coming up soon, I welcome you in if you haven’t been to visit in a while! I am thrilled to be working on plans for the 100-year anniversary of Martin County and can’t wait to show you what we are working on to celebrate our beautiful county’s full century of existence. As I reflect on the work I have done for the HSMC over the past year, I can’t help but think of all those who have come before me—visionaries like Janet Hutchinson, whose portrait watches over all we do here—and feel so grateful to be here right now. Now is tomorrow’s history!”

IT'S UNUSUAL! IT'S ARTSY! IT'S LOCAL! FIND IT HERE!

Spring is in the Air—Find the Perfect Artsy Treasure!

Step into the Elliott Emporium Museum Shoppe and discover a delightful collection of one-of-a-kind, artsy gifts that celebrate the season! From vibrant “Home Grown” artwork by local talent Bob Klunk to whimsical tea towels, beaded birds, and charming birdhouses, there’s something to spark joy in every art lover’s heart.

EXCLUSIVE PERK: Elliott Museum Members enjoy 10% off (excludes consigned items)!

Visit the Elliott Emporium Museum Shoppe today and grab these fabulous finds before they’re gone!

EXCITING UPDATES & WAYS TO GET INVOLVED!

COASTAL COLORS EXHIBIT NOW ON DISPLAY AT THE ELLIOTT MUSEUM!

The Coastal Colors exhibit opened to a fantastic reception, showcasing an incredible array of artwork created during the inaugural Coastal Colors Plein Air Paint Out at the House of Refuge.

The event was a tremendous success, bringing together talented plein air artists from Martin, Palm Beach, and St. Lucie counties, as well as art lovers and history enthusiasts, to celebrate the beauty and legacy of this historic landmark.

There’s still plenty of time to experience the exhibit! Coastal Colors will remain on display at the Elliott Museum through May 15, 2025. This is also a fantastic opportunity to take home a piece of history and art—the artwork is available for purchase but must remain on display throughout the show. Art makes a thoughtful and unique gift for someone special!

MINDFULNESS CORNER

Thu, Mar 13 | Elliott Museum

Speaking to Heaven with Joseph LoBrutto

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

SIGN UP HERE

Fri, Mar 14 | Elliott Museum

Total Lunar Eclipse & Worm Full Moon

Join me for a powerful Sound Vibrational Journey during the Worm Full Moon

SIGN UP HERE

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