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.

Address: 720 Channel Blvd, Topsail Beach, NC 28445
Phone: (910) 328-8663
Museum Website and HS of TI Website
Historical Society’s Facebook Page and Instagram

Topsail Insider is Sponsored by Saltwater Suites and Coming in June, 2024 - Saltwater Resort! Saltwater Suites - Topsail Island’s premier luxury hospitality experience!
Book your beach getaway today at SaltwaterTopsail.com or call (910) 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!

Topsail Insider is edited by Jim Mendes-Pouget  |  jimpouget@gmail.com

Chapters

• 0:00 Topsail Insider Opening and Coming Up
• 0:53 Sponsor - Saltwater Suites
• 1:49 Sponsor - Surf City Line
• 2:50 Introduction to Laurette Gordon of Missiles & More Museum and Cindy Scaparrotti of the Historical Society of Topsail Island
• 3:44 The Historic Assembly Building and Observation Towers
• 6:19 From Assembling Missiles to Museum and Event Space
• 7:10 How Laurette and Cindy Got Involved
• 9:57 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
• 37:22 Jingle Ball
• 38:45 Autumn with Topsail
• 40:47 Renting the Assembly Building Event Space
• 42:03 Hours of Operation and Fees
• 46:53 Volunteering
• 47:46 Final Thoughts
• 49:46 Contact Information and Making Donations
• 51:46 Topsail Insider Closing