May is Historic Preservation Month in Martin County! We celebrate our history year-round, but May provides a special time to cherish the places, people, and stories that have shaped our community into the beloved coastal destination it is today.
This year’s celebration is extra special as we commemorate 100 years of Martin County! The Martin County Historic Preservation Board has planned a month-long series of events to raise awareness about the importance of preserving our heritage—and to invite residents and visitors alike to explore our local landmarks and legacies.
There are fun events and celebrations taking place all month long (find the full lineup here), but you can find specific examples below!
Kick-Off Event at the Stuart Heritage Museum
Thursday, May 1 | 5:00 – 6:00 PM
161 SW Flagler Ave, Stuart
Join us at the Stuart Heritage Museum to kick off Historic Preservation Month! Hear from guest speakers, enjoy refreshments, and reflect on the county’s incredible centennial milestone.
Open House at the Historic Apollo School (1924)
Saturday, May 3 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
9141 SE Apollo St., Hobe Sound
Step inside this beautifully preserved, two-room schoolhouse and learn about its legacy in Hobe Sound’s early days.
Historic Stuart High School Open House
Saturday, May 3 | 1:00 – 4:00 PM
500 SE Ocean Blvd., Stuart
Explore the architecture and legacy of this historic school, with guided campus tours also available at 11 AM on May 6 and May 20.
Tour the Mansion at Tuckahoe
Wednesday, May 7 | 10:00 & 11:00 AM
1707 NE Indian River Dr., Jensen Beach
Visit the grand Mediterranean Revival-style home of Coca-Cola heiress Anne Bates Leach, tucked into the scenic Indian RiverSide Park.
Meet the Sewalls at the Captain Sewall House (1891)
Wednesday, May 7 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Indian RiverSide Park
Local storytellers Bruce and Barbara Osborn, dressed in period attire, bring the Sewall family’s story to life during this guided house tour.
Celebrate the “Salerno Colored School” Historic Marker
Saturday, May 17 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
New Monrovia Park, Port Salerno
Honor the legacy of this one-room schoolhouse with the unveiling of a Florida Historic Marker and an exhibit showcasing the value early African American communities placed on education. Hosted by Diana Owens.
Elliott Museum Open House + Centennial Talk by Sandra Thurlow
Thursday, May 22 | 5:00 – 8:00 PM
825 NE Ocean Blvd., Stuart
Explore the museum’s “100 Years of Martin County” exhibit before attending a 7:00 PM lecture by renowned historian Sandra Thurlow. Presented by the Historical Society of Martin County.
City of Stuart Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony
Monday, May 26 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
East Ocean Blvd. to Memorial Park
Cap off the month with a solemn and patriotic tribute to the heroes who served. This annual Memorial Day parade winds through downtown Stuart and concludes with a moving ceremony at Memorial Park.
Explore Even More
Don’t miss the Martin County Historic Preservation Story Map, a digital guide to the many public sites with historic designation throughout the county—each telling its own unique story. Sites are presented in chronological order by the year they were built, offering a captivating journey through time.
Full schedule of events: www.martin.fl.us/HistoricPreservation
Questions? Email: historicpreservation@martin.fl.us
Let’s celebrate our past to shape a more meaningful future. Join us this May for Martin County Historic Preservation Month and discover the stories behind our storied destination!