The new Elliott Museum – fun and impressive

The new Elliott Museum on Hutchinson Island in Stuart has opened.  The old museum, a 53-year-old Martin County fixture, was fun.  The rebuilt $20 million Elliott is fun AND impressive.  I recently spent an enjoyable and instructive two hours there.  In a short essay, I can only give you some highlights.  Vintage motor vehicles were an important part of the old Elliott, and they still are.  But with a difference.  At the Wheels of Change Exhibit, 55 classic cars and trucks are parked in a three-story structure.  You decide which one you want to see close up.  With the touch of a finger on a screen, a volunteer docent summons the vehicle.  You watch it moved from its storage spot to a turntable that is front and center.  Pretty cool.  The old Elliott was known for its baseball memorabilia.  The new Elliott has a gallery with autographed baseballs, baseball cards and bats.  Want a bite to eat?  Stop by the Frances Langford Outrigger Café, dedicated to the late singer and radio personality who was a great benefactor to Martin County.  The museum is named for inventor Sterling Elliott.  He and his son Harmon held more than 200 patents.  The theme of the new Elliott Museum is “let your mind soar.”  When you visit the Elliott, your mind will do just that.  For 88.9 FM, this is Paul Janensch.