7 Must-See Historic Sites in Stuart, Florida

The House of Refuge at Gilbert’s Bar is one of ten original houses built along Florida’s east coast to provide shelter for shipwreck survivors. The building is not only the last remaining House of Refuge but is also the oldest structure in Martin County and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum displays historical maritime artifacts, a model ship collection, Ais Native American artifacts, shipwreck artifacts, and much more.

Just 100 yards from the House of Refuge Museum is the shipwreck of Georges Valentine, one of only 12 underwater archaeological preserves within the state of Florida. Visitors can park at the House of Refuge and walk to the rocky outcropping entry point. Thanks to its location just 100 yards offshore, guests can either dive or snorkel through the ship wreckage and take in the abundance of marine life in the area.

Located on Main Street in Downtown Stuart, the Lyric Theatre is the city’s cherished home to the performing arts. The Theatre was built in 1926 as a silent movie house and has been used in a variety of manners since then. Numerous revitalization projects throughout the years have brought the building back to performance condition, including a 2020 renovation that added a new roof, restored the marquees, upgraded the signage, and more. The stage is now home to numerous shows annually, including comedy acts, musicals, classic movie showings, and educational programs.

This historic structure, built in 1889 at the tip of the peninsula that became Sewall’s Point, was once the home of local pioneer and developer Henry E. Sewall. When Captain Sewall became the postmaster, he established the Sewall’s Point post office in his home in 1891. Captain Sewall and his wife Abbie lived in the house until 1910. Historic guided tours of the home are held every first and third Wednesday of the month.

Founded in 1960, the Elliott Museum was created to showcase the inventive genius of Sterling Elliott. The museum features installments and exhibits dedicated to inspiring creativity through history, art, and community culture for the people who live in and visit the Treasure Coast. From the most comprehensive assemblage of Model A trucks in the world to one of the largest collections of signed baseball-related items, the museum is filled with something for everyone to enjoy.

Stuart’s Court House Cultural Center and Gallery is host to fine art exhibitions created by local, regional, and internationally renowned artists. Designed in the art deco style and built in 1937 as a federal courthouse, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. In 1989, MartinArts saved the building from demolition, restoring it to its natural beauty and creating the current fine art gallery.

After purchasing the Stuart Feed Store building in 1988, the City of Stuart wanted to create a museum that celebrated and preserved the history of Stuart and its surrounding communities. Today, the Stuart Heritage Museum is home to countless relics and artifacts that define the history of the businesses, agriculture, and community spirit of the City of Stuart and Martin County.