Smithsonian Magazine's 5 th Annual Museum Day was a tremendous success at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum last Saturday as over 300 people came to visit. Many took advantage of the free Museum Day pass offered through the Smithsonian Magazine by the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum. The museum wanted to celebrate the spirit of the magazine by participating with cultural institutions nationwide. As one of the many museums that charge admission, the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum was delighted to open the doors free of charge for the day. Admissions at the JILM are used to provide care of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse supplementing donations and memberships. "We rely on the public to support our historic structures, exhibits and educational offerings on a daily basis so we appreciate an opportunity to give back to the community," states Kathleen Glover, Assistant Director. "The amount of visitors more than doubled from last year."

Of course there is so much more to see since last year. The opening of the new museum exhibit, Five Thousand Years on the Loxahatchee, for one thing. Eight rooms have been completely transformed showcasing the museum's amazing collection of Native American, shipwreck, pioneer, lighthouse and World War II artifacts and photographs. The exhibit envelops your five senses taking you on a journey through our river history. Of course the addition of the Pennock Plantation Bell to the outdoor exhibit area has been a popular stop on the tour, too, and irresistible to many would-be Quasimodos.

What's next? The George Washington Tindall Pioneer Homestead exhibit is fast approaching its Grand Opening on Sunday, October 25 th to the public. Project fundraisers, the Loxahatchee Guild, are gearing up for the long-awaited event by preparing the exhibit of period household furnishings and educational material with the Historical Society staff. "The staff couldn't be more proud to work with the Loxahatchee Guild and showcase this marvelous project which will afford area school children and visitors from all over the world, a glimpse of pioneer life along the Jupiter Inlet and Loxahatchee River," states Jamie Stuve, President & CEO. The 1892 Tindall Home with a replica kitchen, breezeway and porch are receiving the final touches before its debut.

The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10am-5pm, admission includes museum exhibits and lighthouse tour (last tour 4pm.) Call 561-747-8380x 101 or visit: www.jupiterlighthouse.org for more information.