Historical Society of Martin County

From June 15 through November 15, 2026 An Interactive Illusion Experience That Must Be Seen to Be Believed Prepare to step beyond the ordinary and into a world where art breaks free from the wall. 3D Doubt Your Eyes is a breathtaking immersive exhibition featuring large-scale, hand-painted illusion artworks created by professional 3D artists. Each installation transforms flat surfaces into astonishing scenes that appear to leap into real space inviting visitors not only to observe, but

PERMANENT EXHIBIT Grumman’s legacy is etched not only in the annals of aerospace innovation but also in the heart of Martin County. Known for its engineering excellence and legendary aircraft like the F-14 Tomcat, Grumman’s presence at Plant 77 and Witham Field transformed Stuart into a vital node in the defense and aerospace industries. While final assembly of the Tomcat took place in Calverton, New York, components critical to its performance—such as wing sections and control systems—w

PERMANENT EXHIBIT America’s Sweetheart: Julia Frances Langford Julia Frances Langford was far more than a generous philanthropist—she was a national treasure and a hometown hero whose legacy continues to inspire. Born in Lakeland, Florida in 1913, Frances Langford rose to fame in the 1930s and '40s as a celebrated singer, actress, and radio star. With her rich contralto voice and warm stage presence, she earned the nickname “America’s Sweetheart of Song.” She became a household name th

PERMANENT EXHIBIT From the Dawn of the Automobile to Cutting-Edge InnovationThe automobile didn’t just change how we travel — it transformed how we live, work, and connect. From early horseless carriages to sleek modern machines, the evolution of the car mirrors over a century of cultural, economic, and technological change. At the Elliott Museum, The Wheels of Change brings that story to life — and it begins with a jaw-dropping display unlike anything you’ve seen in a museum before. A

PERMANENT EXHIBIT IT’S OUR GAME: BASEBALL 'A Huge vault of American culture' in Elliott Museum's baseball collection Step Into the Heart of America’s Pastime The crack of the bat. The roar of the crowd. The smell of freshly cut grass. Baseball isn’t just a sport — it’s a part of our collective story. At the Elliott Museum’s Baseball Gallery, you’ll step into a world where each artifact carries the heartbeat of the game. Here, signed cards, well-worn bats, and game-used baseballs are

PERMANENT EXHIBIT A Pioneer’s Lifelong Passion for Flight High above the Stuart Main Street gallery soars a remarkable piece of aviation history — a full-scale replica of the Pelican Hydro-Aeroplane, designed right here in 1911 by Martin County resident and aviation trailblazer Hugh Willoughby. A visionary inventor, Willoughby held 14 patents for aircraft innovations and pushed the boundaries of early flight. The stunning replica was masterfully crafted by renowned builder Ken Kellett,

Upper East Wing – Celebrating Stuart’s Centennial and Early Heritage Step into the Upper East Wing of the Elliott Museum and explore a space that honors more than 100 years of Stuart’s history while highlighting the deep roots of Florida’s indigenous peoples. This exhibit brings together illustrated pamphlets, rare documents, and personal treasures from our county's pioneer families, alongside a very special collection dedicated to the Seminole/Miccosukee Tribes of Florida and a Library of H

PERMANENT EXHIBIT Step Back Into Historic Stuart The Stuart Main Street Gallery invites visitors to journey into the heart of historic Stuart, where life and transportation were rapidly evolving. Stroll past beautifully recreated facades of the historic Citizens Bank, the Walter Kitching Store, and the Krueger buildings—each echoing the charm of a time when Stuart was blossoming into the vibrant community it is today. Explore some of the earliest pioneer motor vehicles that transformed

PERMANENT EXHIBIT Florida’s Legendary African American Landscape Artists“The struggle for equality is without borders… we are all relevant and sacred in the eyes of Nature.” An Untold Story of Art, Resilience, and OpportunityThe Highwaymen were a group of 26 African American artists who transformed Florida’s landscapes into vivid, collectible works of art while quietly challenging the barriers of their time. Painting Beyond BarriersIn the mid-20th century, African American artists were

From June 15 through November 15, 2026 An Interactive Illusion Experience That Must Be Seen to Be Believed Prepare to step beyond the ordinary and into a world where art breaks free from the wall. 3D Doubt Your Eyes is a breathtaking immersive exhibition featuring large-scale, hand-painted illusion artworks created by professional 3D artists. Each installation transforms flat surfaces into astonishing scenes that appear to leap into real space inviting visitors not only to observe, but

PERMANENT EXHIBIT Florida’s Legendary African American Landscape Artists“The struggle for equality is without borders… we are all relevant and sacred in the eyes of Nature.” An Untold Story of Art, Resilience, and OpportunityThe Highwaymen were a group of 26 African American artists who transformed Florida’s landscapes into vivid, collectible works of art while quietly challenging the barriers of their time. Painting Beyond BarriersIn the mid-20th century, African American artists were

PERMANENT EXHIBIT America’s Sweetheart: Julia Frances Langford Julia Frances Langford was far more than a generous philanthropist—she was a national treasure and a hometown hero whose legacy continues to inspire. Born in Lakeland, Florida in 1913, Frances Langford rose to fame in the 1930s and '40s as a celebrated singer, actress, and radio star. With her rich contralto voice and warm stage presence, she earned the nickname “America’s Sweetheart of Song.” She became a household name th

PERMANENT EXHIBIT Step Back Into Historic Stuart The Stuart Main Street Gallery invites visitors to journey into the heart of historic Stuart, where life and transportation were rapidly evolving. Stroll past beautifully recreated facades of the historic Citizens Bank, the Walter Kitching Store, and the Krueger buildings—each echoing the charm of a time when Stuart was blossoming into the vibrant community it is today. Explore some of the earliest pioneer motor vehicles that transformed

PERMANENT EXHIBIT IT’S OUR GAME: BASEBALL 'A Huge vault of American culture' in Elliott Museum's baseball collection Step Into the Heart of America’s Pastime The crack of the bat. The roar of the crowd. The smell of freshly cut grass. Baseball isn’t just a sport — it’s a part of our collective story. At the Elliott Museum’s Baseball Gallery, you’ll step into a world where each artifact carries the heartbeat of the game. Here, signed cards, well-worn bats, and game-used baseballs are

PERMANENT EXHIBIT Grumman’s legacy is etched not only in the annals of aerospace innovation but also in the heart of Martin County. Known for its engineering excellence and legendary aircraft like the F-14 Tomcat, Grumman’s presence at Plant 77 and Witham Field transformed Stuart into a vital node in the defense and aerospace industries. While final assembly of the Tomcat took place in Calverton, New York, components critical to its performance—such as wing sections and control systems—w

PERMANENT EXHIBIT A Pioneer’s Lifelong Passion for Flight High above the Stuart Main Street gallery soars a remarkable piece of aviation history — a full-scale replica of the Pelican Hydro-Aeroplane, designed right here in 1911 by Martin County resident and aviation trailblazer Hugh Willoughby. A visionary inventor, Willoughby held 14 patents for aircraft innovations and pushed the boundaries of early flight. The stunning replica was masterfully crafted by renowned builder Ken Kellett,

Upper East Wing – Celebrating Stuart’s Centennial and Early Heritage Step into the Upper East Wing of the Elliott Museum and explore a space that honors more than 100 years of Stuart’s history while highlighting the deep roots of Florida’s indigenous peoples. This exhibit brings together illustrated pamphlets, rare documents, and personal treasures from our county's pioneer families, alongside a very special collection dedicated to the Seminole/Miccosukee Tribes of Florida and a Library of H

PERMANENT EXHIBIT From the Dawn of the Automobile to Cutting-Edge InnovationThe automobile didn’t just change how we travel — it transformed how we live, work, and connect. From early horseless carriages to sleek modern machines, the evolution of the car mirrors over a century of cultural, economic, and technological change. At the Elliott Museum, The Wheels of Change brings that story to life — and it begins with a jaw-dropping display unlike anything you’ve seen in a museum before. A

From June 15 through November 15, 2026 An Interactive Illusion Experience That Must Be Seen to Be Believed Prepare to step beyond the ordinary and into a world where art breaks free from the wall. 3D Doubt Your Eyes is a breathtaking immersive exhibition featuring large-scale, hand-painted illusion artworks created by professional 3D artists. Each installation transforms flat surfaces into astonishing scenes that appear to leap into real space inviting visitors not only to observe, but

PERMANENT EXHIBIT Grumman’s legacy is etched not only in the annals of aerospace innovation but also in the heart of Martin County. Known for its engineering excellence and legendary aircraft like the F-14 Tomcat, Grumman’s presence at Plant 77 and Witham Field transformed Stuart into a vital node in the defense and aerospace industries. While final assembly of the Tomcat took place in Calverton, New York, components critical to its performance—such as wing sections and control systems—w

PERMANENT EXHIBIT America’s Sweetheart: Julia Frances Langford Julia Frances Langford was far more than a generous philanthropist—she was a national treasure and a hometown hero whose legacy continues to inspire. Born in Lakeland, Florida in 1913, Frances Langford rose to fame in the 1930s and '40s as a celebrated singer, actress, and radio star. With her rich contralto voice and warm stage presence, she earned the nickname “America’s Sweetheart of Song.” She became a household name th

PERMANENT EXHIBIT From the Dawn of the Automobile to Cutting-Edge InnovationThe automobile didn’t just change how we travel — it transformed how we live, work, and connect. From early horseless carriages to sleek modern machines, the evolution of the car mirrors over a century of cultural, economic, and technological change. At the Elliott Museum, The Wheels of Change brings that story to life — and it begins with a jaw-dropping display unlike anything you’ve seen in a museum before. A