House of Refuge Museum at Gilbert's Bar

09/09/2026

10 HOUSES. ONE REMAINS.

Along Florida’s coast, there were once ten Houses of Refuge, built to save the lives of shipwrecked sailors and travelers caught in the dangerous waters of the Atlantic.

Today, only ONE remains.

The House of Refuge at Gilbert’s Bar.

Established in 1876, our House is the oldest surviving structure in Martin County and the last remaining House of Refuge in Florida.

For nearly 150 years, this little house on the edge of the Atlantic has witnessed storms, shipwrecks, wartime patrols, changing coastlines, and generations of people who came here looking for safety.

It survived because people believed it was worth saving.

And now, it belongs to all of us.

09/07/2026

09/02/2026

What a delight it was to welcome the cheerful and wonderfully spirited Savannah Club Quilters Group to the House of Refuge!

Thank you for spending part of your day with us and for bringing such good cheer through our doors. We thoroughly enjoyed sharing the remarkable history and stories of the House of Refuge with such an enthusiastic group.

Thank you, Savannah Quilters, for a truly lovely visit. We hope to welcome you back again soon!

With warmest wishes from all of us at the House of Refuge at Gilbert’s Bar.

09/01/2026

Wonderful! Thank you so very much for composing such a grand video of our museum and history.

08/28/2026

BEYOND THE VEIL

Saturday, October 24 | 6:30–8:30 PM

As darkness settles over the Atlantic, step inside one of Martin County’s most historic and atmospheric landmarks for an evening of history, mystery and the unexplained.

Join local historians and paranormal investigators Patrick and Patricia Mesmer for Beyond the Veil, an intimate evening exploring the stories, legends and unexplained happenings that have made Florida’s Treasure Coast a fascinating place for paranormal enthusiasts.

For this special evening, the historic House of Refuge provides the perfect setting. Built to offer shelter to shipwreck survivors along Florida’s dangerous Atlantic coast, the House has witnessed more than a century of storms, shipwrecks, rescues and human stories.

TOUR DETAILS
Tour Operators: Patrick and Trish Mesmer
Start Time: 6:30 PM
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Number of Guests per Tour: 20 guests
Ticket Price: $50 per person

IMPORTANT: There will be no shuttle service available for this event, and onsite parking at the House of Refuge is limited. Please plan accordingly and arrive early.

What might the old House have to tell us after dark?

Come prepared to listen, learn and perhaps look at this historic landmark in an entirely different way.

This is a small, intimate experience limited to just 20 guests. Secure your spot now!!

Note: The tours are designed for entertainment purposes and are not intended to be scientific explorations.

08/26/2026

German U-boats? Burning ships? Florida’s coast?

What if you were standing on the beach and watched a ship explode just offshore?

In 1942, that was the reality along Florida’s east coast.

As Operation Drumbeat unfolded, German U-boats slipped into American waters with orders to hunt. Ships carrying vital cargo became targets. Tankers burned on the horizon. Sailors fought for their lives. And here on the Treasure Coast, the war was no longer something happening an ocean away.

In this episode of Docent Diaries, Ralph Mora dives into the little-known story of the U-boat war off Florida and the terrifying reality of seeing World War II from the shoreline.

The enemy was closer than you think.

08/15/2026

A magnificent post for sharing of history and celebration!

08/15/2026

Such a pleasure to welcome the Allamanda Circle of The Garden Club of Stuart back to the House of Refuge to see the beautiful results of their dedication, along with the wonderful work of the UF/IFAS Extension Martin County Master Gardeners’ Florida-Friendly Landscaping Team.

For many years, the House of Refuge gardens have been a special project of the Allamanda Circle, lovingly tended with tremendous care and commitment. There is something especially meaningful about surrounding our historic 1876 House with native Florida plants that belong to this extraordinary coastal landscape.

The gifts of your hard work are shared every single day with our House of Refuge guests. They may not know all the hands and hearts behind these beautiful grounds, but they experience the results of your devotion with every visit.

To our friends of the Allamanda Circle and the Master Gardeners, thank you for caring for not only the history of the House of Refuge, but also the special piece of Florida it calls home.

For all you have given to the House of Refuge through the years, we give thanks.