Collections & Exhibits
Come Visit Us!
Board Members
Nancy Crawford
Gloria Fike
Rhonda Glass
Barbara Hodapp
John Leighton
Don Macintosh
Gary Maxwell
Bruce Stiller
Judy Woods
The Board meets every second Monday monthly, 3:00 p.m. at the museum.
Every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon, the public is welcomed to the "Old-Timers Social" held at the museum. Chat with those who grew up in Martin County. Refreshments served. Free.
Movie of Present-Day Stuart
Watch this movie, a great three-minute overview created by Shawn Bettencourt showing scenes of present-day Stuart and surrounding areas.
Historical Vignettes
Step back in time to learn about the unusual, the forgotten and some of the fascinating people, events and places from Martin County's history. Written by Greg and Alice Luckhardt of Stuart.
DVD of Martin County History
Enjoy this DVD with a brief history of Martin County, including photos, videos and narration. It is a great and informative overview of Stuart and its surrounding neighborhoods and locations. Get your copy in a jewel case (playable on your TV DVD player or computer) at the Museum for a $5 donation.
1964 Video of Stuart
2022 Video
Welcome!
Stuart Heritage, Inc. was created in 1988 when the City of Stuart purchased the Stuart Feed Store building on Flagler Avenue in downtown Stuart, Florida. The purpose of Stuart Heritage is to help preserve the heritage, artifacts and history of Stuart and its surrounding communities. The countless relics housed by the museum define the history of the people, businesses, agriculture and community spirit of the City of Stuart and Martin County.
Purchase of the Stuart Feed Store
When the city purchased the Stuart Feed Store and property in 1988, Stuart Heritage wanted to convert the building into the Stuart Heritage Museum. However, it was not an easy process. To help with expenses, the front portion of the building was rented by Mrs. Peter's Smoked Fish House for a couple of years.
Gathering Artifacts
During those early years, donations of artifacts were gathered and organized in the remainder of the building. Some of the earliest Stuart memorabilia came from the efforts of Capt. Francis Adams, who had established a Stuart mini-museum in a small building behind the Stuart Police Station on 7th Street from June 1972 until his death in September 1975. With these and other donations from families who had lived in the area for decades, Stuart Heritage's inventory and variety of items steadily increased. Approximately 80 percent of the artifacts were acquired locally.
Preserving History
Local architect Don Armstrong was a founding member and Stuart Heritage's first president. He and other members set the organization's goal to protect Stuart's historical identity. Besides its numerous artifacts on display at the museum, that preservation has included saving numerous early buildings and homes which might otherwise have been torn down.
Since 2011 there have been ten individuals (or couples) in Martin County who have received awards in recognition for their work on preserving the historical buildings and history of this area.
2021: Donna & Rick Crary
2020: LaVaine Wrigley
2019: Steve Vitale
2018: Julie Preast
2017: Mary Jones
2015: Iris Wall & Jonnie Wall Flewelling
2013: Alice and Greg Luckhardt
2012: Joe Crankshaw
2011: Sandra H. Thurlow
The Stuart Heritage Museum is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with always free admission to the public. Volunteers staff the museum to answer questions and explain exhibits and artifacts. Come visit us and discover the rich history of Stuart!
Pictured Top: Panoramic photo of Stuart in the 1920s. • Pictured Above: Miniature display of Stuart in the 1910s.
News & Events
Stuart Heritage Museum operates only on donations, memberships and sales from our gift shop
Your membership helps us keep this historical landmark operating daily, free to the public, and serving as a repository and resource for local history.
In addition, the Museum sponsors:
Wednesday Old Timers coffee & donuts social hour
Seasonal program series featuring local presenters
Youtube channel focused on local history
Facebook page featuring local events and updates on local programs
Holiday Open House
You may make donations via the Donations button at the top of this page. Thank you!
NEWEST Ornament (2023)
The Real McCoy available while supplies last $25 plus tax
2022 Ornament
Colonel Poppleton and his great bee business in Stuart and the selling of honey.
Limited quantities still available
Ornament (2021)
Elliott Museum (60 Years)
The ornament features an example of the many vintage bicycles at the Elliott Museum.
NEW! PLAYING CARDS & PUZZLE
Get your hands on a bit of history! Each card features a vintage photo of a location in Stuart and surrounding communities. Get this special deck of cards ($15) now.
The 250-piece puzzle ($25) features the current Stuart Heritage Museum.