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Reminiscing about the 1960s: Christmases long past
‘Twas days before Christmas and all through the town, people were happy, with nary a frown. It was most busy in Stuart,…
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Stuart History
The people, places, events and buildings that shaped our town, from its pioneer days to today. Each page gives a short answer first, then the full story with sources you can check.
Stuart History list
Video
The Martin County Sheriff
Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek presents a historical overview of local law enforcement during a museum gathering, blending nostalgic personal anecdotes with…
From the collection
Plate with decorated with Flamingos
This cheerful plate celebrates Florida's exotic wildlife and tropical charm, capturing the romantic vision of the Sunshine State that drew visitors and…
Vignette
Forrest Silva Tucker: Life of a Criminal, Part 3
Raised in Stuart, Forrest Tucker, a handsome, charismatic young man at age 24, had been paroled from state prison in 1944 for…
Video
Christmas Fun Facts from Stuart’s Past
The 1940s brought a profound transformation to playtime, as global conflict severely restricted metal and rubber supplies and forced the toy industry…
From the collection
Juice Cupholder Plate
This cheerful plate, designed to cradle a juice cup amid a border of bright oranges, celebrates Florida's most famous crop and the…
Vignette
Forrest Silva Tucker: Life of a criminal – Part 2
Forrest Tucker was a teenager by the early 1930s, having been raised in Stuart with the Silva family, hard working respectable members…
Video
The History of Martin County, by Sheriff Robert Crowder
Martin County officially emerged in 1925 as a region driven by ambitious visions of agriculture, tourism, and real estate development. Despite facing…
From the collection
Stuart Rotary Roster Book
This 1971 membership roster captures a moment in Stuart's civic life when the Rotary Club brought together the city's business and community…
Vignette
Forrest Silva Tucker: Life of a criminal, Part 1
Through the years, Martin County has been the residence of many acclaimed, wealthy, famed or otherwise distinguished individuals, but unfortunately, some notorious…
Video
House of Refuge Restoration Update
This video details a museum presentation where historic preservation updates are shared regarding the ongoing renovation of a regional landmark. Museum leaders…
From the collection
Room 8 Old Colorado Hotel Key
This brass key once opened the door to Room 8 at the Old Colorado Hotel, a landmark that welcomed travelers arriving on…