Indeed, Robert the Doll is a unique and eerie artifact that has garnered a reputation as a haunted object with a mysterious and unsettling history. Here's a closer look at Robert the Doll and his connection to Fort East Martello:

1. **Appearance:**
   - Robert the Doll is a life-sized, clothed doll that stands about three feet tall. The doll's appearance is that of a sailor, complete with a sailor suit, hat, and even a small toy dog.

2. **Origins:**
   - The doll is thought to have been crafted in the early 20th century, around 1904, by a Bahamian servant skilled in the art of voodoo. The doll was reportedly given as a gift to a young boy named Robert Eugene Otto, who went by the name Gene.

3. **Legend of Robert the Doll:**
   - According to local legend, strange occurrences and misfortunes were said to befall those who disrespected or mocked the doll. Visitors to the museum have reported feelings of unease and have attributed odd events to Robert, including changes in facial expressions and even the movement of the doll's gaze.

4. **Gene Otto's Connection:**
   - Gene Otto, the original owner of the doll, reportedly claimed that the doll would speak to him and that it held supernatural powers. Gene kept the doll throughout his life, and after his death in 1974, Robert the Doll was donated to the Fort East Martello Museum.

5. **Museum Display:**
   - Today, Robert the Doll is on display at the Fort East Martello Museum, enclosed in a glass case. The doll has become a popular and somewhat infamous attraction, drawing visitors intrigued by its eerie reputation.

6. **Superstitions and Precautions:**
   - Over the years, numerous letters have been sent to the doll, apologizing for taking photographs without permission or expressing regrets for disrespectful behavior. Some believe that failing to seek permission before taking Robert's picture may bring bad luck.

7. **Pop Culture References:**
   - Robert the Doll's story has inspired various works of fiction and has been referenced in popular culture, contributing to its status as a unique and spooky piece of local folklore.

While the doll's reputation as a haunted object is largely a matter of local legend and superstition, Robert the Doll remains an intriguing and mysterious figure, captivating the imaginations of those who encounter him at the Fort East Martello Museum. Visitors are often left with a mix of fascination and a sense of the uncanny when faced with this iconic and enigmatic doll.