Bumblebee Buzz August 2020
Preserving the Past, Enjoying the Present, Building the Future.
A Note From The President...

Summer is almost over and school is starting soon (Virtual for many). I hope you were able to spend some time with your family and friends renewing the bonds that keep us together.

I am excited to announce that Albert Meyer has agreed to serve HSTI as Vice President. Many of you know him through his years of volunteering for AWT and Chairman of the HSTI Education committee among other activities. 

This year is unique and proving to be challenging for your Historical Society. Due to Covid-19, we have had to cancel a number of events this summer including Bingo, the Aquarium program, and scheduled weddings and family gatherings at the Assembly Building. As we move into fall, with Covid-19 still rearing its ugly head, we have canceled our monthly luncheons, and Autumn with Topsail. The AWT Committee and the HSTI Board felt that the risks to our members, volunteers, vendors, and visitors would be too great.

Although the Missiles and More Museum was also closed for the year, we have a committee busily working on developing a protocol for safely reopening to visitors next spring. We are also looking into ideas for virtual events and fund raisers for this fall and winter to supplement the loss of our premier event--Autumn with Topsail.

I look forward to the time in the near future when we can again host the monthly luncheons and have the opportunity to meet members in person.

John Morris
In Memoriam
 Photo by E.C.Smith

                 
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mrs. Mildred Wilson,
who was the oldest member of the Historical Society of Topsail Island. Miss Mildred passed away on Sunday, June 28, 2020 at the age of 103. Miss Mildred touched many lives and will be greatly missed by her friends on Topsail Island.


Every Membership and Donation
helps us fulfill our Mission!

This year your membership is more important than ever before since our summer and fall fund raisers have been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We do plan to have some virtual activities which are now in development! Information about these activities, and our winter events,
will be posted on our website and social media in the near future. 

Please Join or Renew your membership with the Historical Society of Topsail Island today. By renewing now, your membership will be good until May 31, 2021.Your donations will also help keep us in the black until we are again fully open and operational!
HSTI 2021 Scholarships
A major part of HSTI's mission is the education and sharing of our local history with future generations. Each year the Historical Society presents scholarships to impressive seniors. The greater Topsail Island area has abundant talented and knowledgeable students. We are pleased to offer this opportunity
to the upcoming seniors of 2021!
Because we have had to cancel or fundraisers for this year:
We need your help.
In addition to joining or renewing your membership with us,
Please consider making a donation to fund our 2021 scholarships!
Every dollar will help keep history education alive and thriving!
Volunteer opportunities:
We are forming a fundraising committee! How would you like to be involved?
~Online Auction~Bridge Print Raffle~Virtual Bingo!~
~Reverse Raffle~Virtual Luncheons~
Do you have computer/online/virtual platform skills?
WE NEED YOU!!
Contact Gaylene at 910.389.8776 or gntbranton@gmail.com

ONLINE AUCTION ITEMS NEEDED!!
To donate items for our upcoming Online Auction
Contact Melinda Grant at 910.470.1910 or missmelinda@live.com

Events
Thank you for your continuing support of the many activities hosted by HSTI
at the Historic Assembly Building and the Missiles and More Museum.
For the well-being of our community, all HSTI sponsored public events scheduled for the months of September, October and November have been cancelled.
This action is in line with the Governor’s recommendations concerning COVID-19.

These events have been cancelled:
Autumn with Topsail
Closed Until further notice: Missiles and More Museum


We will continue to evaluate this situation during our virtual Board meetings
and keep you informed. The decision to cancel our HSTI public activities was not easy,
however, we share your concern about our communities’ safety and well being.


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Mission Statement
 
The Historical Society of Topsail Island is dedicated to the collection, preservation and promotion of the history of the Greater Topsail Island Area.