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April 12, 2024

Missiles & More Museum and the Historical Society of Topsail Island

Missiles & More Museum and the Historical Society of Topsail Island

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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Topsail Insider is Sponsored by Saltwater Suites and Coming in May, 2024 - Saltwater Resort! Saltwater Suites - Topsail Island’s premier luxury hospitality experience!
Book your beach getaway today at SaltwaterTopsail.com or call (91) 886-4818!

Topsail Insider is also Sponsored by Surf City Line! Come out for Beachin’ Bowls, Margaritas, Live Music, and enjoy your meal on their top deck with Ocean Views!
Visit SurfCityLineNC.com for their full food, bar, and brunch menus!

Jim is my incredible, rockstar editor who works his magic to make Topsail Insider sound great! Learn more about Jim's services here: http://bit.ly/PodcastsByJim.
Jim Mendes-Pouget  |  jimpouget@gmail.com

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Chapters

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