On view now
Americana
Life in Stuart during the pioneer days, including clothing and everyday household items.
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The Collection
Objects, photos and documents from the museum collection. See what is on display now, what is new, and the stories each object tells.
141 objects · 10 exhibits on view
All objects
Book
“Self Culture” book by John Blackie – red hardcover
This handsome red volume, gifted by Joseph Kitching to his grandson Stanley in 1895, reflects the optimism and self-improvement spirit that defined…
Ticket
100 Jensen Beach Bridge Tickets
These admission tickets once granted passage across the Jensen Beach Bridge, a vital link connecting Stuart's residents and visitors to the barrier…
Phonograph
1915-1916 Edison Electric Phonograph
This elegant Edison electric phonograph brought the wonder of recorded music into Stuart homes during the heyday of the Florida boom, just…
Guidebook
1942 Treasure Coast Fishing Guide
This 1942 fishing guide captures a golden age when the Treasure Coast's abundant waters drew anglers from across America seeking marlin, sailfish,…
Yearbook
1960 Sailfish Yearbook
In 1960, Stuart High School students captured their year in this Sailfish yearbook, named for the magnificent fish that had become synonymous…
Ticket
1960s Fair Tickets
These colorful fair tickets from the 1960s capture a moment when community celebrations brought Stuart together for carnival rides, games, and summertime…
Book
1963 Stuart Phone Book
In 1963, if you needed to call a neighbor, a local business, or the fire department, this phone book was your lifeline,…
Directory
1976 Stuart/Jensen Telephone Directory
This slim telephone directory from 1976 captures a moment when Stuart and Jensen were still small, interconnected communities where you could look…
Shirt
75th Anniversary of Martin County Shirt
This commemorative shirt celebrates a milestone moment in Martin County's history, the 75th anniversary of the county's founding, and represents the community…
Iron
A SAD Iron found on the grounds of Conquistador Condo
This sturdy iron, short for "Sad Iron" because of its flat, heavy base, speaks to the domestic labor that sustained Stuart's households…
Book
Abstract of Title to Jupiter Island & Gomez Grant
This legal record traces the complicated ownership history of Jupiter Island and the adjacent Gomez Grant, two parcels of land central to…
Program
Air Force Missile Test Center Program
During the height of the Cold War space race, the Air Force Missile Test Center at Cape Canaveral was at the cutting…
Boat
Ais and Colusa indian cut out canoes (replicas)
These replica dugout canoes honor the Ais and Calusa peoples who navigated the rivers and coastal waters of Florida long before Stuart…
Toolbox
Ais Indian replica tools
The Ais people, who flourished along Florida's Indian River for centuries before European contact, crafted ingenious tools perfectly suited to the coastal…
Record
Album cover
This photocopy captures a moment when Stuart's beach culture found its voice in music, a local surfer band's album cover preserved by…
Hat
American Legion Hat
Clive Pace wore this American Legion hat with pride during the 1960s, carrying forward his service in the United States Coast Guard…
Book
Army Song Book
This 1941 Army Song Book brought music and unity to American soldiers preparing for and serving in World War II, compiled by…
Photograph
Arthur Ruhnke Collection of Picture
Arthur Ruhnke's photographs, preserved in this cherished red box, offer a glimpse into the personal vision of someone who documented life in…
Book
Ashley Gang Book
Ada Coats Williams' yellow Ashley Gang Book captures the dramatic true story of one of Florida's most notorious criminal networks, whose exploits…
Bank
Aunt Jemima Coin Bank
This cast-iron coin bank captures a piece of American advertising history from the early 20th century, when branded merchandise transformed everyday objects…
Dress
Baby clothes
This delicate ensemble of baby dress, blankets, and booties represents the tender care that Stuart families lavished on their youngest members during…
Dress
Betsy Evan’s Mother’s Wedding Dress and Veil with Documentation
This elegant wedding dress and veil, preserved from 1924, carries the hopes and dreams of a bride from Stuart's early years, a…
Bible
Bible given to military in WWII
During World War II, thousands of servicemen carried Bibles into battle as both spiritual comfort and practical companion. This hardbound Bible, donated…
Bicycle
Bicycle
This high-wheel bicycle represents the daring spirit of the 1880s, when such contraptions, with their enormous front wheel and tiny rear wheel,…
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