THE ELLIOTT & House of refuge MUSEUM Videos

Welcome back to Chronicles of a Restoration. My name is Katherine Larson and I am keeper of the house. Every week brings something new and I'm delighted to report that market and very visible progress is unfolding across the entire property.
Chronicles of a Restoration - Episode 18
Welcome back to Chronicles of a Restoration. My name is Katherine Lerson and I'm keeper of the house. High above us, one of the most critical phases of the restoration is well underway. We're taking a moment to listen in with Tradesman's Group roofing specialist for a brief lesson on the restoration work taking place overhead and what it takes to safeguard the House of Refuge.
Chronicles of a Restoration - Episode 17
Rob Steele CEO of Historical Society of Martin County asks Howard Carter, the British archaeologist and Egyptologist who discovered the near-intact tomb of King Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings on November 4, 1922, "Mr. Carter, do you believe in the curse of the Pharoas?" and Mr Carter from the Holobox replies....
Holobox Video of Noward Carter at the Elliott Museum
Welcome back to Chronicles of a Restoration. My name is Katherine Larson, and I am Keeper of the House. Today, we turn our attention to the foundation pillars. These are not decorative elements — they are part of the primary load-bearing system of the structure. The pillars carry the weight of the House and transfer it down to the stabilized footings below. They are the unseen strength beneath everything we admire. Decades of salt air, moisture intrusion, and coastal movement took their toll. Several vertical supports had deteriorated significantly — some reduced to what could only be described as toothpicks. That level of compromise required serious structural correction. Those weakened supports have now been fortified with reinforced encasement and structural cement extending deep toward the bedrock. This work stabilizes the House from below, strengthening not only individual columns but the building’s overall structural integrity. Heavy-duty metal connectors, brackets, and anchor plates are also being integrated throughout the rebuild. These steel fittings secure beams to posts and reinforce critical connection points, creating a unified structural system designed to withstand coastal conditions. This is not surface repair. This is foundational reinforcement. Every phase must pass inspection — structural review, engineering verification, and code compliance. At times, inspections may appear to slow visible progress. In reality, they protect the integrity of every step forward. With March 10 and our 150th anniversary approaching, the progress is both measurable and meaningful. The House’s base is strengthening. We can now see renewed stability — offering quiet reassurance that this landmark will continue to stand firm against wind, salt, and sun.
Chronicles of a Restoration - Episode 16
Welcome back to Chronicles of a Restoration. My name is Katherine Larson, and I am Keeper of the House. Today’s chapter focuses on the chimney and how it was rebuilt using methods faithful to its original construction. Before work began, additional scaffolding was erected to ensure safe access. Two specialized craftsmen arrived on site, and their first task was the careful dismantling of the original chimney. Mark Routon, a brick mason with 35 years of experience, reflected on the process: “My name is Mark Routon. I’ve been a brick mason for 35 years and have worked with the Tradesmen Group for the past year. When we took the chimney apart, the bricks were too deteriorated to reuse. They were falling apart.” His colleague, Gus Davis, also brought generational knowledge to the project: “I come from a family of brick masons. My uncle taught me the trade, and I’ve been with the Tradesmen Group for nearly three years.” To ensure historical accuracy, sand was carefully washed and prepared to create mortar matching the original material in both color and performance. Brick by brick, the chimney was rebuilt, aligned precisely to its original footprint and architectural proportions. As Mark observed: “These bricks have been here a very long time. You can see their age. It’s old work — and now it’s been rebuilt to stand strong again.” This careful reconstruction preserves not only the chimney’s structure, but also its historical integrity ensuring the House continues to stand as it was intended, resilient against time and the coastal elements.
Chronicles of a Restoration - Episode 15
Welcome to Keeper’s Minute. Here at the House of Refuge, we often speak of shipwrecks, storms, and the brave Keepers who watched this coast. But today, we look deeper. Beneath the waves of Florida’s Treasure Coast and beneath our feet lies a rock that has shaped this shoreline for more than 100,000 years. It is called the Anastasia Formation. This limestone formed during the last interglacial period, when sea levels were higher and waves built broad coastal beaches along this region. Over time, layers of shell fragments, quartz sand, and coral were buried, compacted, and cemented together by calcium carbonate. The result is a distinctive coquina limestone, rich in visible shell material and characteristic of Florida’s east coast. The Anastasia Formation preserves the story of ancient shorelines. It records shifts in sea level and contains fossils of marine life that once inhabited these waters. Today, it extends intermittently for more than 150 miles along Florida’s Atlantic coast, forming portions of the coastal ridge and underlying many barrier islands. In places, it appears offshore as exposed limestone ledges, sometimes hidden beneath shifting sand. To early sailors, these shallow outcrops were nearly invisible. There were no charts, no radar — only wind, current, and stone. The powerful Gulf Stream flows close to shore, and combined with storms and hurricanes, it drove vessels dangerously toward land. When ships struck these limestone ridges, wooden hulls were torn apart, cargo was lost, and lives were placed in peril. This coastline became known as part of the Shipwreck Coast. In 1876, the House of Refuge was built near these hazardous waters to shelter survivors who reached shore after enduring the violence of sea and stone. Many lived because help waited here. Today, the same ancient rock continues to shape this coast. It stabilizes the shoreline, forms vital habitats, and provides the geologic foundation beneath the House itself. The Anastasia Formation reminds us that geology is not distant history. It shapes the shoreline, influences human events, and quietly supports everything that stands here. Beneath every step lies the record of ancient seas — written in stone.
Keeper's Minute Anastasia Rock
Join Keeper of the House, Catherine Larsen, as she marks a major milestone in the restoration journey. Welcome back to Chronicles of a Restoration. Keeper of the House Catherine Larsen shares a moment that signals a true turning point in the project. After months of careful deconstruction, documentation, and preservation, the restoration has reached a meaningful crossroads. Reconstruction has officially begun. Long-awaited elements crafted in Ohio have arrived, signaling the shift from careful removal to thoughtful rebuilding. What once stood weathered and worn has taken form again. Cherished architectural components, created from the original structural language of the house, now return finished in the familiar, instantly recognizable colors that define her presence on the rocks. Each piece was removed with great care, precisely measured, documented, and preserved so it could be faithfully recreated. Following detailed study and assessment, these elements now return with purpose, ready to be set back into place. Additional craftsmen have joined the effort, bringing specialized skills focused on fine detailing, precise joining, and the craftsmanship that unites structure and design. This moment stands as one of the most meaningful chapters of Chronicles of a Restoration. The house is beginning to come back together—and it is a powerful moment to witness.
Chronicles of a Restoration - Episode 14
Join Keeper of the House, Catherine Larsen, as she shares another behind-the-scenes chapter of the restoration. Welcome back to Chronicles of a Restoration. Keeper of the House Catherine Larsen highlights a pivotal and carefully executed phase of the deconstruction process. Throughout this stage of restoration, there have been moments truly worth noting—particularly the work surrounding the porch’s architectural elements. These features are far more than decorative details; they are massive structural beams that have supported the house for generations and required complete replacement. Due to their size and weight, the removal process could not be rushed or improvised. The tradesmen engineered a precise pulley system, securing one end of each beam so that once cut free, it could be lowered slowly and safely to the ground. This four-person operation demanded method, precision, clear communication, and trust. Using this exact process, the entire porch system was removed beam by beam, each step carried out with deliberate care. Looking ahead, a new shipment of beams is set to arrive, ready to take their place and carry this historic structure forward. Restoration is not simply removal—it is respect in motion.
Chronicles of a Restoration - Episode 13
Join Keeper of the House, Catherine Larsen, as she takes you behind the scenes of the ongoing restoration work. Welcome to Chronicles of a Restoration. Keeper of the House Catherine Larsen shares an inside look at the steady progress continuing behind the scenes at the House of Refuge. While it has been some time since the last update, restoration efforts have remained active and meticulous. Over the past several weeks, the Tradesmen Group has carefully removed layers of lead-based paint from the exterior, a delicate and essential step in preserving the structure’s historic integrity. At the same time, another team has been working nearly a thousand miles away in an Ohio workshop. There, skilled craftsmen have been reconstructing the second-floor dormer windows—those iconic windows overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon. Each window has been built using exact measurements, reconstructed board by board, and painted to match the original design. Equally important, all materials have been replaced in kind, ensuring the architectural style and historic character of the building are faithfully preserved for generations to come.
Chronicles of a Restoration - Episode 12
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A documentary on how the exhibit "In Celebration of King Tut" was brought to and installed at the Elliott Museum in Stuart Florida. Directed by Juan Guillermo Cano Camera by Juan Guillermo Cano, Taty Cooley Edited by Juan Guillermo Cano Sound Design and music by Camilo Sánchez Producer Lina Bedoya Proudly produced in W. T. H. Studios www.wthstudio.com
KING TUT AT THE ELLIOTT DOCUMENTARY
This is a short, animated and entertaining video that reveals a rare exhibit at the Elliott Museum named "In Celebration of King Tut". It shows the excavation and discovery of Tutankhamun Treasures. Enjoy! Written by Rob Steele Directed and animated by Juan Guillermo Cano Illustrations by Daniel Acosta Sound Design and music by Camilo Sánchez Voice Over by Joshua Flores Proudly produced in W. T. H. Creative Studio www.wthstudio.com
In Celebration of King Tut
Step back in time to the turn of the century with a visit to the House of Refuge Museum at Gilbert’s Bar. Built as one of ten along the east coast of Florida, it is the oldest structure in Martin County and is the only remaining House of Refuge. Only 100 feet from shore is the wreck of Georges Valentine, where you can walk from the House of Refuge and snorkel or dive to the wreck. The house of Refuge is also ideal for Beach Weddings or an Ocean side Event. LCome and visit us and DISCOVER WHAT POSSIBILITIES AWAIT YOU!
THE HOUSE OF REFUGE
Welcome to the Elliott Museum – Step into a world where vintage cars tell stories of the automotive evolution stored in a three-story automated parking garage that acts as a classic car vending machine known as The Boomerang. Feel inspired with the maritime exhibits that narrate tales of seafaring adventures and marvel at the intricacies of innovation in our science and technology displays. Admire the strokes of genius in our art galleries, featuring a diverse collection that spans different periods and styles. Whether you’re a fan of classical masterpieces or contemporary creations, the Elliott Museum has something to spark your imagination. Don't forget to stop by our Gift Shop of Goodies: Take a piece of the Elliott Museum home with you! Purchase unique souvenirs, educational toys, and exclusive memorabilia that will remind you of your enriching visit.
ELLIOTT MUSEUM
Jackie Williams discusses the history of some of Florida's Highwaymen artists while at a past Highwaymen exhibition at the Elliott Museum on Hutchinson Island. Features Isaac Knight, Willie Reagan, Robert Butler with a live painting demonstration
Highwaymen Interview with Jackie Williams at the Elliott Museum/Historical Society of Martin County
This is the first of a short, animated and entertaining series that reveals stories about the origin and creation of important places, architecture, artifacts, artwork, inventions, historical moments and characters throughout history that have been fundamental to culture and society. Directed, Written and animated by Juan Guillermo Cano Illustrations by Daniel Acosta Sound Design and music by Camilo Sánchez Voice Over by Joshua Flores Creative Assistant Director: Michelle Carlton
ELLIOT STEERING KNUCKLE
Installation underway for: Highwaymen — From the Street Corner to the Smithsonian — Rare collection of artwork opens to the public at Elliott Museum this Saturday In the 1950s during the Jim Crow days, several African-American self-taught artists from the Treasure Coast began painting Florida’s vivid landscapes, looking for a better way to earn a livelihood. Coined as the “Highwaymen,” they sold their art out of their car trunks as they traveled the highways, which led to their nickname. Today, Highwaymen paintings have deservedly earned a place to hang in the Smithsonian, and all of the Highwaymen artists are represented in the Florida Artists Hall of Fame. The “Highwaymen—From the Street Corner to the Smithsonian” collection includes paintings that have never before been exhibited. While many of their paintings focus on well-known Florida landscapes, the focus of some of these exhibit paintings tell a story as they depict people from the 1950s era, animals and intimate vistas. There also will be an extensive "Canvas Board Wall" of their early works, including Harold Newton, one of the founding members, along with a Tribute Wall to Roy McLendon, who was inspired by Newton, his neighbor. The exhibit is generously sponsored by The Kiplinger Family Foundation, Henry & Rachelle (Rocky) Grady, Bill & Carole Hauke, The Law Offices of Travis R. Walker, P.A., and the Florida Department of State Division of Cultural Affairs. Opening weekend: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., March 11 and 12 at The Elliott Museum, 825 NE Ocean Blvd., Stuart. Featured throughout the weekend — live painting demonstrations by Roy McLendon, one of only seven living Highwaymen artists, gallery walks conducted by noted collectors Roger Lightle and Steve Carr, a film crew will be on site taking footage for a documentary, and a presentation and book signing by Catherine Enns, author of “The Journey of the Highwaymen.” If you can't make opening weekend, you have until July 14, 2023 to see it. For more information, visit www.hsmc-fl.com. #highwaymen, #elliottmuseum, #stuartflorida
"From the Street Corner to the Smithsonian"
For years, many people have been fascinated by the exploits of the “Ashley Gang,” a group of infamous outlaws led by John Ashley in the 1910s and 1920s in Stuart, Florida. Now the Elliott Museum has brought to life the “Notorious Ashley Gang — The Making of a Legend,” a permanent exhibit that showcases never-before-seen artifacts related to these infamous outlaws. In this video, Curator Linda Geary shares some details about this notorious gang.
The Notorious Ashley Gang
In this video, Jim Ferrare, car curator at the Elliott Museum in Stuart, tells you about the history of midget car racing and specifically details the 1947 Kurtis Kraft Midget Race Car. The Elliott Museum, which is managed by the Historical Society of Martin County, has an impressive collection of more than 100 cars, including a 1903 Stanley, a 1903 Cadillac, a 1905 Oldsmobile and a 1905 REO runabout. One of the finest vehicles in the collection is a 1914 Packard Model 2-38 seven passenger touring.
A look at a 1947 Kurtis Kraft Midget Race Car
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