ELLIOTT MUSEUM

By  Mike Miller April 21, 2025

The Elliott Museum, located on Hutchinson Island in Stuart, is a vibrant showcase of history, art, and technology.

Founded in 1961 by Harmon Elliott to honor his father, inventor Sterling Elliott, the museum moved to a state-of-the-art facility in 2013.

Its centerpiece is a collection of over 90 vintage vehicles displayed via a unique robotic racking system, alongside exhibits on local history, baseball, and maritime heritage.

Managed by the Historical Society of Martin County, it’s a must-visit for those exploring the Treasure Coast. 

Elliott Museum

Sterling Elliott (1852–1922), a prolific inventor with over 125 patents, inspired the museum’s creation.

His innovations, including the steering knuckle critical to early automobiles and a female-friendly bicycle, shaped modern transportation.

Harmon Elliott funded the original museum to celebrate his father’s legacy, opening it in 1961.

The Soroptimist Club of Stuart, which saved the nearby Gilbert’s Bar House of Refuge, was tasked with its operation, leading to the formation of the Historical Society of Martin County.

The original building was demolished in 2011 for a modern, eco-friendly structure that expanded exhibits, including a nod to Sterling’s addressing machine and advocacy for cyclists’ rights as president of the League of American Wheelmen. 

Located at 825 NE Ocean Boulevard, Stuart, FL 34996, the museum is open Monday through Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm.

Guided tours for groups of 10 or more last about 90 minutes (call 772-225-1961 to book). Combo tickets with the House of Refuge are available.

Bring comfortable shoes, as exhibits span 46,000 square feet, and check the calendar for events like car shows or lectures. Photography is allowed except near original artwork. 

• Robotic Car Display: Over 50 vehicles, including Ford Model As, are stored in a three-story robotic system, retrieved on-demand for turntable viewing, a first in U.S. museums. 

• Votomatic Exhibit: A 2000 election “butterfly ballot” machine with “hanging chads” highlights Florida’s controversial presidential vote. 

• Haunted Lore: Ghostly tales, including apparitions tied to the Ashley Gang exhibit, draw paranormal enthusiasts. 

• Frances Langford Café: Named after the 1940s star married to Ralph Evinrude, it showcases her local legacy including her Outrigger Resort in Jensen Beach. 

ELLIOTT MUSEUM WEBSITE