2026 Winter Speaker Series
Presentations begin at 7:00 p.m. at the Historic Apollo School,
located at 9141 SE Apollo Street, Hobe Sound, FL 33455.
Advance registration is requested.
Please click the appropriate button below each presentation description to register. Thank you.
All speakers are subject to change or cancellation.
Genealogy – Ancestor Hunting and Family History
Thursday, January 15, 2026 - Evamaria Eskin
Evi Eskin, the immediate Past President of the Martin County Genealogical Society and a four-year board member, will introduce us to the Society as well as share her experience and knowledge of genealogy and how much fun and informative it can be.
The Jan and Dan Show
Thursday, February 19, 2026 - Jan Otten and Dan Mackin
Renowned local artist Dan Mackin and local Hobe Sound History author, Jan Otten, will relate some interesting facts about the joys and tribulations of publishing their books and a collaborative effort that occurred along the way. They will share stories that led to Dan’s published work and to Jan’s book, Our History is a Treasure, Hobe Sound, Florida, a Jewel on the Treasure Coast. Dan and Jan plan to keep it light while sharing their stories so that we will learn a little and at the same time laugh a little.
The Wilderness World of Trapper Nelson, “Tarzan of the Loxahatchee”
Thursday, March 19, 2026 - Erinn Mullen-Oliver
Ms. Mullen-Oliver, Program Specialist for Jonathan Dickinson State Park, will take us on a journey back in time to the years Trapper Nelson lived in our area, 1930-1968. The program will include a Power Point presentation as well as historic photos. This is a great opportunity to learn about Trapper Nelson’s fascinating life, living and working along the Loxahatchee River.
House of Refuge: Place of Hope
Thursday, April 16, 2026 - Catherine Larsen
Ms. Larsen, Keeper of the House of Refuge, will share stories of this historic 150-year-old structure, the oldest building in Martin County. Built as a sanctuary for shipwrecked mariners and travelers at a time when access to our area could be accomplished only by sea, this is the last of 10 such facilities that were once active along the Atlantic Coast.