Dive into History at the House of Refuge and the Georges Valentine

The House of Refuge will be commemorating the wreck of the Georges Valentine on Saturday, October 18 th. As one of a few Underwater Archaeological Preserves, the Georges Valentine has become a very popular dive spot. Sinking close to shore (one can sometimes see a mast during low tide) the wreck is readily accessible to both dive enthusiasts and history buffs.

The Georges Valentine, an Italian barque , sank off the coast of the House of Refuge on October 16, 1904. The ship and crew were bringing a load of mahogany wood to Buenos Aires when they encountered a hurricane. The ship grounded in shoal water. Her bow swung off and the three steel masts fell killing one sailor and forcing the hull to break apart. Two sailors made it to shore and the House of Refuge. Captain William Rea, Keeper of the House, tended to the men. Rea then set out against the storm in the dark of night to look for other survivors. Five more men were saved as a result of Rea's perseverance. Unfortunately, despite his best efforts, a total of five men were lost that night.

Plan to bring the whole family to the House of Refuge, on October 18 th, for what will undoubtedly be a fascinating and informative event! Stop by any time between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm to learn more about this incredible chapter in our maritime history. On hand we'll have Lou Romano who has dived the Georges Valentine with the Florida Public Archaeological Network and with members of the Florida Oceanographic Society's Reef Research Dive Team. Joey Obermeyer, with the Martin County Sheriff's Department Dive Team who was instrumental in the mapping and recording for the application as an archaeological site, will also be available. They will have photographs and films of their explorations and will be ready to answer questions.

This special commemorative program is included with the regular museum admission price of $5 for adults and $2 for children twelve years of age and under. Children under six are free as are members of the Historical Society of Martin County. Regular tours of the House of Refuge will continue until 4:00 pm that day.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the House of Refuge is Martin County's oldest structure. One of ten built by the U.S. Treasury Department in 1876, the House provided safe haven to sailors of shipwrecks along Florida's Coast. Of the ten built, the Gilbert's Bar House of Refuge is the only one that remains. More than a century of American and maritime history come together in this remarkable building and museum.

For over four decades, The Elliott Museum on Hutchinson Island in Stuart, Florida, has served as a cultural and educational resource for thousands of residents, tourists and automobile enthusiasts.The Elliott Museum is a celebration of innovation . . . of how creativity and ingenuity have changed lives, and made history. It is owned and operated by the Historical Society of Martin County, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and interpreting our region's heritage. The mission of the Elliott Museum is to interpret and celebrate the genius of innovation, creativity and the historical events in Martin County and the surrounding region, all within an environment of learning and discovery.

The Historical Society of Martin County, headquartered at the Elliott Museum in Stuart, was founded in 1955 and operates both the Elliott Museum and the House of Refuge at Gilbert's Bar, Martin County's oldest building. The HSMC collects and preserves American life in the context of the St. Lucie River region. A private non-profit organization, the HSMC relies on membership and charitable donations to continue the mission of educating the community about the richness of our area. The Elliott Museum houses one of the finest collections of American antiques, decorative arts, baseball memorabilia and vintage automobiles that celebrate the Golden Age of American creativity, and of course, local and Florida history.

For more information about membership in the Historical Society of Martin County please call 772-225-1961, ext. 112 or log onto www.elliottmuseumfl.org.

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