Long before Florida was known for theme parks and beach resorts, its coastline was a graveyard for ships - and the few structures built to save their crews have nearly all vanished. Nearly.
The House of Refuge in Stuart, Florida, built in 1876 to shelter shipwrecked sailors along the state’s Treasure Coast, is a survivor. Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, it is the last of its kind on the Florida coast.
“The House of Refuge was built in 1876, and its goal is to rescue sailors off of the coast,” said Jes Robinson, Creative & Collections Director for the Elliott Museum and House of Refuge. “There are 10 of them up and down the coast of Florida, and ours is the only one left.”
The site’s setting adds to its drama. “The House of Refuge sits on a tiny peninsula about 70 meters across - less than a football field,” Robinson said. “When you come to visit, you have the ocean on one side and the lagoon on the other, and it is an incredible refuge even for today’s senses.”
A short drive away, the Elliott Museum offers a different kind of spectacle. Visitors can use a vending machine-style system - called the Boomerang - to summon classic cars - think 1955 Ford Thunderbirds and vintage Model T’s - directly to a display floor. Robinson says the storage system keeps the collection pristine. “This is how we keep them stored and keep them nice and make sure that they’re well taken care of,” she said.
But the museum’s scope extends well beyond automobiles. “We talk about America from all different aspects of engineering, technology, automotive, and local history,” Robinson said. “The Elliott is known for its art collection. We have a wonderful regional art collection and many different artifacts that talk about the Treasure Coast, the 1715 fleet, and all of the things that make Martin County unique.”
For Robinson, the region’s appeal is simple: “You come to Florida for the beaches and you stay for the history, you stay for the cars, you stay for all the culture that we have here.”
The Elliott Museum and House of Refuge are located in Stuart, Florida, in Martin County, just north of Palm Beach.
Live in the D Reporter, April Morton, takes viewers on an adventure through Martin County Florida, including giving a glimpse of everything the resort has to offer. Please click the video above to see the entire story and continue to watch Live in the D everyday April 20, through April 24, 2026, to see all of the amazing activities the area has to offer.
Viewers also have the chance to win a trip to Martin County, Florida.
The approximate value of the prize is $6,125
The prize includes the following.
Vacation Package
- Four (4) consecutive night stay for four (4) at Marriott Hutchinson Island Resort & Beach Villas, Golf & Marina
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- Four (4) tickets to the Elliott Museum
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