Martin County, Florida's Historical Preservation Month

Just as important in other communities across the United States, the residents of Martin County, Florida are taking the essential steps to preserve the architecture and history of their neighborhoods. With it being a year long activity, they are bring awareness to the general public this October 2009 with a month-long series of events to educate and exhibit the saving efforts by Martin County's Historic Preservation Board.

The Historic Preservation Board of Martin County with seven members appointed by the Martin County Commission was founded in 2003. Over the years they have worked to save and preserve as many important structures within the county they possibly manage. The Board has their own local historic register for the saving of historical homes, buildings and structures. Once approved the listed properties receive a plaque in recognition of such a designation.

Open to the public during October will be tours, open houses, lectures, festivals, and dances throughout Martin County to help the citizens become aware of importance of preservation for future generations.

Some of the Events for Historical Preservation Month of October 2009 include:

October 1 - Thursday, will be the Opening Day Kickoff
2 p.m. Stuart Heritage Tour of historical buildings in Downtown Stuart conducted by guides from the Stuart Heritage Museum (this tour will be held each Thursday at 2 p.m. starting at the Stuart Heritage Museum on Flagler Ave.)
5 p.m. Harding Home tour in Golden Gate area, near Port Salerno
6 p.m. Campaign kickoff reception, Cassidy Center, in Golden Gate's community center.

October 2 - Friday
9 a.m. Fish House Tour in Port Salerno as part of the Port Salerno Bahamian Festival held Oct 2 -4th.

October 3 - Saturday
3 p.m. The Blessing of animals at All Saints Church in Jensen Beach (one of the oldest churches in the region).

October 7 - Wednesday
5:30 p.m. A lecture about Indiantown in western Martin County given by Iris Wall at the Cummings Library in Palm City.

October 8 - Thursday
2 p.m. Stuart Heritage Tour of Downtown Stuart historical buildings starting at the Stuart Heritage Museum.

October 9 - Friday
6 p.m. Rockin' Riverwalk - "Music of the Decades" by OPM in Downtown Stuart along the beautiful St. Lucie River.

October 10 - Saturday
All day - there will be tours of various Jensen Beach Sites; including the Periwinkle House, Yellow Church and the Ricou home. The Periwinkle House was just added to the local historic register.

October 14 - Wednesday
5:30 p.m. A lecture on the history of Martin County presented by historian and author, Sandra Thurlow, at the Cummings Library in Palm City.

October 15 - Thursday
2 p.m. Stuart Heritage Tour of Downtown Stuart historical buildings starting at the Stuart Heritage Museum.

October 17 - Saturday
All day will be tours of the Blasko House in Palm City as part of Palm City Fall Festival.

October 18 - Sunday
10 p.m. A tour of the 'Mounds at Mt. Elizabeth' at Indian River Side Park in Jensen Beach. Tour also the Capt. Sewall House at the Indian River Side Park.

October 20 - Tuesday
11 a.m. A unique tour of East Stuart conducted by Martin County native, Willie J. Thompson.

October 21 - Wednesday
5:30 p.m. A lecture covering Florida's history presented by Joe Crankshaw, journalist for TC Palm News, at the Cummings Library in Palm City.

October 22 - Thursday
2 p.m. Stuart Heritage Tour of Downtown Stuart historical buildings starting at the Stuart Heritage Museum.

October. 27 - Tuesday
11 a.m. A unique tour of East Stuart conducted by Martin County native, Willie J. Thompson.

October 28 - Wednesday
5:30 p.m. A lecture on the history of East Stuart given by Willie J. Thompson at the Cummings Library in Palm City.

October 29 - Thursday
2 p.m. Stuart Heritage Tour of Downtown Stuart historical buildings starting at the Stuart Heritage Museum.

October 30 - Friday
5 p.m. "Meet Me at USO" a fun costume ball / dance held at the Stuart Recreation Center on Flagler Ave. It will be held in the same building that World War II USO dances were held in the 1940s. There will be period costumes, big band music and prizes for best costume and best dancers.

As a special attraction, check with the Stuart Heritage Museum on Flagler Avenue about the public viewing dates of a 'lost' film recently discovered that showcases locations all across Martin County in 1965, some 44 years ago. Truly a great visual artifact now saved and preserved for all to enjoy.

To residents and visitors, the numerous events and activities during October offer an excellent opportunity to view first hand the preservation efforts done in Martin County, Florida.

Sources:

Stuart News, TC Palm, Aug. 19, 2009

Stuart News, TC Palm, July 30, 2009

Martin County Commission