History
The House of Refuge is situated on the coastal rocks of the Anastasia formation, one of the most prominent geologic outcroppings along the entire Eastern seaboard. The house was one of ten commissioned by the U.S. Treasury Department as havens for shipwrecked sailors and travelers along the barren east coast of Florida. It is the only one that remains today. The facility also served as a lookout for enemy submarines in WWI. It was saved by the Historical Society of Martin County in 1955, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Exhibits
The House of Refuge Museum at Gilbert’s Bar provides a look at turn-of-the-century living along the coast. Areas available for public viewing are the boathouse, kitchen, dining room, parlor, bedroom and a lookout tower constructed during WWII. New exhibit space includes a timeline of Hutchinson Island dating from 2000 B.C. to the hurricanes of 2004.
Gift Shop
The naturally challenging and scenic location of the House of Refuge has served as the inspiration for a number of paintings and photographs. The late local artist Howard Schafer was commissioned to paint the House of Refuge as it looked after it was built in 1876. Limited edition giclees of this print are available in our gift shop, as well as a variety of gifts, books, souvenirs, photos and artwork.
Facility Rental
The House of Refuge Museum is an idyllic locale for everything from intimate gatherings to seaside weddings. To learn more about how you can make some history of your own by hosting an event at the House of Refuge Museum, see our facility rental information page.
