Bumblebee Buzz April/May 2021 |
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Preserving the Past, Enjoying the Present, Building the Future. |
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A Note From The President...
Spring has arrived on our island and with that a sense of renewal. Many, and I hope most of you, have now gotten the Covid 19 vaccination and with that the return of some form of normalcy. Your Historical Society has been very busy reorganizing the Museum for COVID-19 protocols and did open on April 12th for visitors. We also have a new Historical Walking Tour of Topsail Beach available thanks to Ann Tumblin and Janine Stidley. If the Museum is not yet open for the day or a bit crowded, you should try it. Details below.
For those of you that missed Bingo at the AB last year, fret no more. Bingo is returning in June. There will be some Covid restrictions. We are also looking to renew the summer Aquarium Program with Ft. Fisher Aquarium. As it stands right now Autumn with Topsail is a go for this fall. It was missed by all of us, out of town visitors and our vendors alike. Mark your calendar for the third weekend of October and come to the best event on Topsail Island. While you are at it, reserve the first Saturday in December as well. We will be hosting our annual Jingle Bell Ball, THE premiere party of the season!
Earlier this month, we held our Annual Scholarship Awards Luncheon, awarding three scholarships to local high school seniors. Thanks to our highly successful Reverse Raffle held over the winter, HSTI was able to fully fund this community outreach program. Thank you to all who bought a raffle ticket.
On a somber note, we lost an active supporter and volunteer earlier this month. Dick Peters passed away after a long illness. He was the husband of Rose Peters, our Museum Director. He will be sorely missed by all of us.
Stay safe, healthy and please continue to wear a mask in public,
John Morris
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NEW--Historical Walking Tour of Topsail Beach
Did you know.... Jet engine propulsion was tested on Topsail Island in 1946-48?
This easy, free, one-mile walking tour will take you on a fun, historical adventure through the downtown area of the Town of Topsail Beach.
Scan the QR code below with your camera to start your free tour
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2021 HSTI Scholarship Winners |
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Photo credit: Jeff Wenzel Pictured l-r: Albert Meyer, Erin Harvey, Lauren Coursey, Taylor Barnhill
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The Historical Society of Topsail Island (HSTI) held its first luncheon in the Assembly Building in over a year on April 8, 2021 to honor the Scholarship Awardees for the 2021 Scholarship Contest. Albert Meyer, 2020-2021 Education Chairman presented the awards.
Lauren Coursey, a Senior at Topsail High School finished first for her digital painting entitled
Operation Bumblebee. She attended the Luncheon accompanied by her parents, Guy and Jennifer Coursey and her School Counselor, Joanna Boyles.
Erin Harvey and Taylor Barnhill, both Seniors at Pender Early College High School tied for second place. Erin's art submission was a painting of Topsail Tower #3. She was accompanied by her parents, Erik and Gloria Harvey and her counselor, Shannon Grable.
Taylor's art submission depicted The Wilmington Weldon Railroad in graphite. She was accompanied by her parents Edward and Melissa Barnhill and her school counselor, Abby Robbins.
Students from area high schools submit entries each year. This year there were 16 submissions in essay, poetry and art format. The three awardees honored at the luncheon received the three highest composite scores. HSTI would like to thank the 6 volunteer judges who scored this year's submissions: Cathy Brown, Allen Dawson, Emily Mott, Sarah Stidley, Roberta Zapp and Kim Meyer. HSTI also would like to thank Gaylene Branton, Sue Bankes and Rick Stidley and Albert Meyer who organized the luncheon.
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We need you and your friends too!The museum is open! We are looking for a few good men and women who are passionate about history, enjoy interacting with the public and providing the most up-to-date information available about the Missiles & More Museum's collections and programs. We need docents AND other "behind the scenes" volunteers. Help steer the Museum into the next century. No experience necessary--will train on site--just sign up! Shifts available 2pm-5pm until 1 June:11am-2pm & 2pm-5pm
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Let's Play! Bingo starts Soon! |
Mark your Calendars & Dust off your Dobbers! Bingo starts 3 June, 2021!
Want to volunteer?
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An Anonyomous donation was recieved honoring these ladies:
Nelva Albury, Jessie Borchers, Evelyn Bradshaw, Gaylene Branton, Cecile Broadhurst, Dot Cotman,
Diane Geary, Marcia Hamilton, Joyce Nelson, Sue Newsome, Betty Polzer, Edna Smith, Jaxie Thornton, Jean Beasley, Caronell Chestnut, Kathy Cherry, Catherine King, Bobbie Morrison, Anne Stevens and Mildred Wilson. These women are significant to the success of this Historical Society.
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Dick Peters passed away on April 2nd after a long illness. He was a a longtime volunteer and member who served a term as HSTI Treasurer. Dick will be missed by all that knew him.
There will be a Celebration of Life on May 16, 2021 at 2:00pm at the North Topsail Beach park recently named in his honor. 465 New River Inlet Rd.
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HSTI Hosted 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 will be following the Governor’s recommendations concerning COVID-19. We will continue to evaluate this situation during our Board meetings and keep you informed.
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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.
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