2026 Historic Preservation Month
Each May, Martin County celebrates Historic Preservation Month, a nationwide initiative recognizing the places, stories, and people who shape our shared heritage. Throughout the month, residents and visitors are invited to explore local history through special events, tours, lectures, and community programs hosted by Partners in Preservation across the county.
Coordinated by the Martin County Historic Preservation Board, Historic Preservation Month highlights the importance of protecting historic resources, honoring cultural traditions, and strengthening community identity. Whether discovering a historic site for the first time or revisiting a familiar landmark, May is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the stories that make Martin County unique.
Explore the 2026 Schedule of Events and join us in celebrating Martin County’s history all month long!
- Month of May | The Marvin S. Cone 40th Annual High School Juried Art Show at the Old Court House** — Free
- In May at the historic Art Deco-style Court House Cultural Center (1937), 80 SE Ocean Blvd., Stuart, FL. Gallery hours: Tuesday 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; Wednesday–Saturday 10:00 AM–4:00 PM. Contact: 772-287-6676.
- April 26 (Sunday), 9:00 AM–1:00 PM | Martin County Historic Preservation Board at the Stuart Green Market — Free
- Stop by the board’s table in Flagler Park to learn more and pick up a Schedule of Events for Historic Preservation Month, 201 SW Flagler Ave., Stuart, FL. Contact: 772-419-6951.
- April 30 (Thursday), 2:00 PM–5:00 PM | Preservation Day at the Stuart Heritage Museum — Free
- Tours of the historic Stuart Feed Store (1901) include exhibits featuring a Native American dugout canoe replica, Everglades mural by Kevin Hutchinson, and Martin County Fair display. 161 SW Flagler Ave., Stuart, FL. Refreshments will be served. Contact: 772-220-4600.
- April 30 (Thursday), 5:00 PM–6:00 PM | Kick-Off for Martin County Historic Preservation Month 2026 — Free
- The Martin County Historic Preservation Board will kick off Historic Preservation Month 2026 with Partners in Preservation at the Stuart Heritage Museum, 161 SW Flagler Ave., Stuart, FL. Speakers and light refreshments. Contact: 772-419-6951.
- May 4 (Monday), 12:30 PM–3:00 PM | Historic Preservation Month Open House at the Log Cabin* (1936) — Free
- Open house at a historic building on the Martin County Register of Historic Places. Includes storyboards, video on Vince Bocchino, and reuse plans for a senior center. 2369 NE Dixie Hwy., Jensen Beach, FL. Contact: 772-334-2926.
- May 6 (Wednesday), 10:00 AM & 11:00 AM | Tours of the Historic Mansion at Tuckahoe (1938)** — Free
- Tour the Mediterranean Revival-style home of Coca-Cola heiress Anne Bates Leach in Indian RiverSide Park, 1707 NE Indian River Dr., Jensen Beach, FL. Contact: 772-288-5745.
- May 6 (Wednesday), 11:00 AM–1:00 PM | Learn the Story of the Captain Sewall House (1891)* — Free
- Historic storytelling and tour with Bruce and Barbara Osborn in Indian RiverSide Park, Jensen Beach, FL. Contact: 772-214-9768.
- May 6 (Wednesday), 11:30 AM–1:30 PM | All Saints Episcopal Church (1898)* & Cemetery* Tours and Orientation — Free
- Tour the historic church and cemetery at 2303 NE Seaview Dr., Jensen Beach, FL. Tours also held May 13, 20, and 27. Contact: 906-201-1328.
- May 6 (Wednesday), 2:00 PM | “Free the Oppressed: The 1838 Battle of the Loxahatchee” — Free
- Presentation by Derek Hankerson at the Elliott Museum, 825 NE Ocean Blvd., Stuart, FL. Museum admission free 1:00–5:00 PM. Contact: 772-225-1961.
- May 12 (Tuesday), 4 PM | Stuart Training School Historic Plaque Dedication & Emancipation Day Celebration — Free
- Attend the City of Stuart Plaque Dedication and Celebration at the historic Stuart Training School (1934), now Spectrum Academy, at 800 SE Bahama Ave., Stuart. Contact: 772-288-5306.
- May 12 (Tuesday), 5:30 PM | Sunset Concerts at the Gallery in the Old Court House (1937)** — Free
- $5 donation for non-members at the Court House Cultural Center, 80 SE Ocean Blvd., Stuart, FL. Contact: 772-287-6676 ext. 6.
- May 12 (Tuesday), 6:30 PM | “Weird, Wonderful, and Miraculous — Stories Behind Selected Photographs” — Free
- Author Sandra Thurlow presents local history at Blake Library, 2351 SE Monterey Rd., Stuart, FL. Sponsored by Martin County Historic Preservation Board and Martin County Library System. Contact: 772-288-5702.
- May 14 (Thursday), 5:30 PM–7:00 PM | Preservationist of the Year Award Reception at the Elliott Museum — Free
- Presentation of the 2026 Preservationist of the Year Award at 825 NE Ocean Blvd., Stuart, FL. Honoree to be announced. Contact: 772-419-6951.
- May 15 (Friday), 2:00 PM | “House of Refuge: Preserving a Maritime Legacy” Lecture — Free
- Lecture at Blake Library, 2351 SE Monterey Rd., Stuart, FL, on the restoration of the House of Refuge (1876)**. Contact: 772-288-5702.
- May 16 (Saturday), 10:00 AM–2:00 PM | Open House at the Historic Apollo School (1924)** — Free
- Explore the restored two-room schoolhouse at 9141 SE Apollo St., Hobe Sound, FL. Contact: 772-486-9737.
- May 16 (Saturday), 10:30 AM–12:00 PM | SEFAS Archaeology Day — Free
- Family archaeology event at Hobe Sound Public Library, 10595 SE Federal Hwy., Hobe Sound, FL. Contact: 772-546-2257.
- May 16 (Saturday), 11:00 AM–2:00 PM | The Knott House Ceremonial Reenactment — Free
- Reenactment and lectures at Gazebo Park, 80 SE Ocean Blvd., Stuart, FL. Contact: 772-260-1766.
- May 19 (Tuesday), 9:00 AM–10:30 AM | Pathways to the Past: Indigenous History Walk — Free
- Guided walk at Indian RiverSide Park, 1707 NE Indian River Dr., Jensen Beach, FL. Reservations: 772-419-2468.
- May 20–27 (various dates) | All Saints Episcopal Church and Cemetery Tours (1898)* — Free
- Tours at 2303 NE Seaview Dr., Jensen Beach, FL. Contact: 906-201-1328.
- May 25 (Monday) | City of Stuart Annual Memorial Day Ceremony — Free
- Veterans Memorial Park, 300 SE Ocean Blvd., Stuart, FL. Visit City of Stuart website for time details. Contact: 772-288-5389.
- May 26 (Tuesday), 2 PM | “Restoring History: The House of Refuge Story” at the Elliott Museum — Free
- Go behind the scenes of the 2-year restoration of Martin County’s iconic House of Refuge (1876)** with Keeper of the House Catherine Larsen and President of REG Architects Rick Gonzalez at 825 NE Ocean Blvd., Stuart. Contact: 772-225-1961. (Museum admission is also free from 1-5pm).
- May 28 (Thursday), 5:30 PM–7:30 PM | “Saving Stuart – Then & Now: Preservation Meets Profit” — Free
- Discussion on preservation and economic vitality at 201 SW Flagler Ave., Stuart, FL. Contact: 772-286-2848.
- May 31 (Sunday), 9 AM–12 PM | Martin County History & Cultural Expo — Free
-
Join Martin County’s Partners in Preservation for a fun, family-friendly morning at Flagler of Stuart! Meet the local organizations working to preserve and celebrate Martin County’s rich history and cultural heritage at 201 SW Flagler Ave., Stuart, FL. Contact: 772-286-2848.
-
*Structures listed on the Martin County Local Register of Historic Places; **Structures listed on both the Martin County and National Register of Historic Places.
Join us in celebrating Barbara and Bruce Osborn and their nearly two decades of volunteer service advancing historic preservation in Martin County through Historic Preservation Month leadership, educational programming, living-history portrayals, and community outreach that have brought local history to life for thousands of residents and visitors!
Date: Thursday, May 14, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Elliott Museum, 825 NE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL
In honor of Historic Preservation Month, join Martin County’s Partners in Preservation for a FREE, family-friendly morning at Flagler of Stuart! Meet local organizations dedicated to preserving and celebrating Martin County’s history and cultural heritage, explore engaging displays, connect with community historians, and discover the stories that shape our community.
Date: Sunday, May 31, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Flagler of Stuart, 201 SW Flagler Ave, Stuart, FL
