In today’s episode, we’re talking to Laurette Gordon, the Executive Director of the Missiles and More Museum, and Cindy Scaparrotti, the President of the Historical Society of Topsail Island.
The Historic Assembly building in Topsail Beach was NOT for the assembly of people, folks, it was for the assembly of missiles! And the towers you see around the island were a part of testing those missiles, all during WW2. Visit the Missiles and More Museum to learn all about the rich history of Top’sul’ Island.
The Historical Society of Topsail Island offers many events to share the history of the island and create a strong sense of community with our locals as well as provide fun for vacationers. They’ve got Bingo, Lunch & Learns, their annual Jingle Ball, and an island favorite - Autumn with Topsail.
Are you searching for the perfect space for an upcoming event? You can rent the Assembly building for up to 250 attendees. They’re right on the Intracoastal, and have a catering kitchen and a brand-new bridal suite.
You can support these wonderful entities by donating, becoming a member, volunteering, renting the event space, or attending any of their fundraisers.
Address: 720 Channel Blvd, Topsail Beach, NC 28445
Phone: (910) 328-8663
Websites: https://missilesandmoremuseum.org and https://topsailhistoricalsociety.org
Donations: Make checks payable to “Historical Society of Topsail Island”
and mail to: PO Box 3653, Topsail Beach, NC 28445
Historical Society’s Facebook Page and Instagram
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Book your beach getaway today at SaltwaterTopsail.com or call (91) 886-4818!
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00:00 - Topsail Insider Opening and Coming Up
00:53 - Sponsor - Saltwater Suites
01:49 - Sponsor - Surf City Line
02:50 - Introduction to Laurette Gordon of Missiles & More Museum and Cindy Scaparrotti of the Historical Society of Topsail Island
03:44 - The Historic Assembly Building and Observation Towers
06:19 - From Assembling Missiles to Museum and Event Space
07:10 - How Laurette and Cindy Got Involved
09:57 - Exhibits: Topsail as a Barrier Island, Movement, Flora and Fauna
10:56 - Exhibit: Natural History, Native Americans and Artifacts
12:13 - Exhibit: Golden Age of Piracy!
14:37 - Exhibit: Raiders and Runners
15:24 - Exhibit: Camp Davis
16:48 - Exhibit: WASPS
18:06 - Exhibit: Operation Bumblebee
21:27 - NEW Exhibit: Historic Ocean City Beach
25:53 - Archiving and Cataloging Museum
27:29 - Historical Society’s Mission and Services Offered
28:21 - Scholarships
29:29 - Lunch & Lectures
30:18 - Aquarium Program and Turtle Talks
31:29 - Bingo!
32:39 - Historic Top Secret Walking Tour and Ghost Walk
37:29 - Jingle Ball
38:52 - Autumn with Topsail
40:54 - Renting the Assembly Building Event Space
42:10 - Hours of Operation and Fees
47:00 - Volunteering
47:53 - Final Thoughts
49:53 - Contact Information and Making Donations
51:53 - Topsail Insider Closing