Patrick Skotniczny, Author at Historical Society of Topsail Island

Bumblebee Buzz June 2019

Patrick Skotniczny — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 18:14:00 +0000

Special thanks to The Applied Physics Laboratory of Johns Hopkins University
in Laurel, Maryland for providing videotape, models, and other documentation
for the Operation Bumblebee exhibit which forms the core of the Museum.
Museum Hours: Monday-Saturday 2-5pm now through Labor Day

Bumblebee Buzz June 2019

Preserving the Past, Enjoying the Present, Building the Future.

A Note From The President

Missiles and More Museum has been hosting visitors from all over North Carolina, the United States and abroad. The Bingo program began this week much to the delight of tourists and residents alike. Our exciting Summer Aquarium Program will begin June 26th. Plans are already in the works for our coastal arts and music festival, Autumn With Topsail 2019.
Make plans to join us at some of our fun-filled activities during the coming weeks!

Many HSTI members have requested a membership renewal notice. If you have not yet renewed your membership for 2019-2020, you will receive a reminder, as requested.

All the best for a great summer season!

Volunteers in Action #HSTIStrong

In Memory of “Barney” Wiley B. Bryant
May 3, 1929 – May 27, 2019

Barney Bryan was an active HSTI volunteer and an integral part of our HSTI Bingo program for sixteen years. At 90 years old he was the senior member of our Bingo team. We were honored by his friendship and gentle leadership in Bingo accounting matters.

June 12, 2019~ Missiles and More Museum Banner Day-266 Visitors!
Photo by Edna C. Smith

Volunteer Today!

Museum: We need more than docents-good at organization, accounting, technology?? contact Rose Peters Volunteer in the Museum!
BINGO!: Join the Fun on those hot summer Thursday Nights!! No experience necessary. Need help in concession and card sales, accounting and technology!! Contact Barry Newsome: Volunteer for BINGO!
Aquarium Program: Fun for all ages but it’s all about the kids! Come out and see the aquatic world through the eye of a child! Contact Virginia Teachey: Volunteer for Aquarium Program!
Autumn with Topsail: Arts, Food, & Beach Music! Critical need: Silent Auction Manager-no solicitation! Be available October 19 and 20. Contact Rick Stidley: Volunteer for Autumn with Topsail!
Luncheons and Lecture Series: Delicious food, great speakers and friendly fellowship! Want to meet new people, can you make change, how do you feel about taking out the trash? We need you! Contact Gaylene Branton Volunteer for the Luncheons!

UP COMING EVENTS:

BINGO!! June 13-August 15, 2019: Thursday nights are fun for the entire family at the Historic Assembly Building! Doors Open at 6PM – Early Bird Games start at 6:30PM Main Games start at 7PM. Please no outside food or drinks. Concessions for sale on site!

All proceeds go to support The Historical Society of Topsail Island’s mission to collect, preserve and promote the history of the Greater Topsail Island area.

Summer Aquarium Program Presented by NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher Outreach: Join us Wednesday afternoons from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. inside the Historic Assembly Building. These interactive programs are designed for families with school aged children. A donation of $1.00 per child is appreciated to defray the cost and enable us to continue these exciting programs.

June 26 Hermit Crab’s Friends (aimed at 4-5 year old’s), July 3 Jammin’ Jellies, July 10 Turtle Time, July 17 Fantastic Fish, July 24 Scaly Survivors, July 31 Our Living Seashells

Don’t Miss This:
2019 OCEAN CITY JAZZ FESTIVAL

10th Anniversary Celebration
July 4-7 2019
Historic Ocean City Community
2649 Island Dr, North Topsail Beach, NC 28460

More Information!

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Historical Society of Topsail Island raffles limited edition canvas with portion of Surf City Swing Bridge

Patrick Skotniczny — Thu, 30 May 2019 18:16:22 +0000

Historical Society of Topsail Island raffles limited edition canvas with portion of Surf City Swing Bridge

TOPSAIL BEACH – A Limited edition canvas, “The Last Sunrise” with swing bridge metal, has been donated to the Historical Society of Topsail Island (HSTI) by Topsail artist Jeff Wenzel. HSTI is selling raffle tickets at the Missiles and More Museum, Monday through Saturday from 2pm-5pm. The cost of tickets is $5 for one or $20 for five.

Earlier this year, Wenzel donated a 5-ft. steel truss and the wood base from the bridge fender system from the iconic structure. The pieces cut by Balfour Beatty and crafted into a unique exhibit by HSTI member, Rick Stidley is on display at the Missiles and More Museum.

“I am thankful to the bridge contractor, Balfour Beatty, for making this a reality,” said Jeff Wenzel, owner of Above Topsail Photography “The Swing Bridge was an important part of Topsail Island — the gateway to paradise to many — and it will be missed, but not forgotten.”

Tickets will also be on sale at BINGO! Thursday nights in the Historic Assembly Building from June 13 through August 15. One lucky winner will be drawn Sunday, 20 October 2019 during Autumn with Topsail. You need not be present to win but we would love to see you there!! All proceeds benefit the Historical Society of Topsail Island, which owns and operates the Missiles and More Museum.

The museum, housed in the Historic Assembly Building, 720 Channel Boulevard, Topsail Beach NC, opened in 1997 and expanded in 2005. Currently Museum displays include Operation Bumblebee, an expanded Natural History exhibit, two interactive media centers, a pirate exhibit, a Native American exhibit, and an Osprey Aircraft exhibit.

For More information, visit www.missilesandmoremuseum.org or www.topsailhistoricalsociety.org

For your own piece of the iconic swing bridge, visit Jeff’s website, abovetopsailphotography.com

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Bumblebee Buzz May 2019

Patrick Skotniczny — Mon, 13 May 2019 13:24:43 +0000

Come visit the Missiles and More Museum and see our new Exhibit:

And then there were three…Topsail Island Piers

Bumblebee Buzz May 2019

Preserving the Past, Enjoying the Present, Building the Future.

A Note From The President

Thank you for your support during my term as president of HSTI. Without our dedicated, hardworking volunteers none of our programs and events would be possible.

I would especially like to thank our HSTI Board members. Many challenges were met by this Board with a keen determination to do what was needed and to do it right. I appreciate their courage, insight, and commitment to preserve our historic Assembly Building. Each of them has served well and offered their unique talents to make possible the continuation of programs and services for our island community.

We have just celebrated the reopening of the Missiles and More Museum. The Summer Aquarium and Bingo programs will begin soon. Plans are already in the works for Autumn With Topsail 2019. I hope you will join us at some of our exciting activities during the coming weeks.

All the best for a great summer season!

Volunteers in Action #HSTIStrong

A few of our outstanding Bingo! 2018 Volunteers. Bingo! begins June 13th–Join this fun-loving team!

PEP 2019 HSTI Spelling Bee team
Gaylene Branton, Betsy Johnson, Edna Smith & Steve Smith

April 15, 2019~ Missiles and More Museum Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Pictured above are representatives from Topsail Chamber of Commerce, Town of Topsail Beach, HSTI Board, and museum docents.

Photo by Irene Lambert.

Volunteer Today!

UP COMING EVENTS:

All proceeds go to support The Historical Society of Topsail Island’s mission to collect, preserve and promote the history of the Greater Topsail Island area.

June 26 Hermit Crab’s Friends (aimed at 4-5 year old’s), July 3 Jammin’ Jellies, July 10 Turtle Time, July 17 Fantastic Fish, July 24 Scaly Survivors, July 31 Our Living Seashells

Autumn with Topsail wins award!!

During the Annual Eastern NC Coast Host meeting, May 2nd, Pender County Tourism recognized their award winning festivals and events. So here’s to Historical Society of Topsail Island ‘s Autumn With Topsail, Poplar Grove Plantation’s Paranormal Investigation Tours, the NC Bacon Festival, Air-play events, Olivia Dawson, Topsail Island Jeep Week, Moores Creek National Battlefield’s Anniversary Reenactment, the Ocean City Jazz Festival, the Town of Burgaw, Art Beat, Pender County Historical Society, Pender County Public Library, the Pender High drama dept. and our special events partner Pender County Parks and Recreation. Photo provided by Pender County Tourism.

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Bumblebee Buzz April 2019

Patrick Skotniczny — Wed, 24 Apr 2019 16:44:31 +0000

2019 HSTI Scholarship Winners and Education Chairman

(l-r) Abigail Korenek, Sophie Korenek, Virginia Teachey, Madison Snyder and Anna Bradshaw

photo by Stephanie Key

Bumblebee Buzz April 2019

Preserving the Past, Enjoying the Present, Building the Future.

A Note From The President

We are nearing completion of our extensive restoration projects for the Assembly Building and Missiles and More Museum. Hundreds of volunteer hours, as well as, professional services have gone into the roof truss system and post hurricane restoration. To date we have invested about $437,000 to keep our Assembly building strong and safe. Without our volunteers, the cost would have been much higher. We are so grateful for their dedication and service to the historical society.

We are now in the process of rebuilding our financial reserves so that we can continue to effectively operate our building and fulfill our mission to collect, preserve, and promote the history of the Greater Topsail Area.

While we celebrate our restoration, we are mindful that many others are still struggling with the aftermath of Hurricane Florence. Please help when and where you can.

DONATE or Join/Renew Membership Here!

Volunteers in Action #HSTIStrong

2019 Docent Training: Denise Compton, Sue Bankes, Beth Holder and Tammy Proctor

2019 Docent Training
John Morris, Rose Peters and Dave Stipe

♦ Docent Training

Missiles & More Museum
Ribbon Cutting
& Open House

Monday
April 15, 2019
2PM-5PM

After extensive restoration and many volunteer hours post hurricane Florence,
our Missiles and More Museum will reopen to the public with a ribbon cutting and open house!!

Volunteer Today!

UP COMING EVENTS:

May 9, 2019: Luncheon and Lecture Series: Beverly Tetterton, retired research librarian and archivist, New Hanover Library will regale us with tales from Colonial Wilmington.
Lunch catered by the Beach Shop and Grill will be fried Chicken, homemade potato salad, green beans, green salad, rolls and iced tea. More info?

Congratulations 2019 HSTI Scholarship Winners!

Competition was tough but these 4 ladies outshined the other 8 applicants to win coveted HSTI Scholarships.
They presented their projects at the luncheon held on April 11th at the Historic Assembly Building.

pictured (l-r): Dixon HS Seniors, Sophie Korenek (Women Air Force Service Pilots) & Abigail Korenek (Displaced: The Old Onslow) and Topsail HS Seniors, Madison Snyder (The Dangerously Repetitive Pattern of Hurricanes) & Anna Bradshaw (Name Calling).

Photo by Stephanie Key

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Pirates Invade the Museum!

Patrick Skotniczny — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 23:24:59 +0000

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Commerce and Conflict; Wilmington, Fort Fisher and Blockade Running During the Civil War

Patrick Skotniczny — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 16:33:51 +0000

Commerce and Conflict; Wilmington, Fort Fisher and Blockade Running During the Civil War

The Historical Society of Topsail Island (HSTI) invites you to lunch with our exciting speaker, John William Morris III, MA, RPA (aka Billy Ray) at our April Luncheon. Morris explores Wilmington during the American Civil War, one of the most important ports in the Confederacy. With two approaches into the Cape Fear River Wilmington rapidly became the pivotal port for the importation of supplies and munitions for the Army of Northern Virginia.

The Underwater Archaeology Branch of the Office of State Archaeology has recorded 27 shipwrecks from vessels involved in the campaign to close the port of Wilmington from 1861-1865.

The program is set for April 13, 2017, 11:30 am at the Historic Assembly Building, 720 Channel Blvd. in Topsail Beach. Lunch is catered by The Beach Shop and Grill and the menu will include BBQ chicken, mac & cheese, baked beans, salad, rolls, dessert, and iced tea. The lunch is $13 and is payable at the door. Attendees ages 70 and older pay only $11 per lunch. There is no charge for attending the program only. RSVP to hstiluncheons@gmail.com or call 910-389-8776 by 6pm Sunday April 9th. Guarantee

Currently, Morris serves as the Deputy State Archaeologist-Underwater for the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, Office of State Archaeology. In this capacity he directs the Queen Anne’s Revenge Project, the complete recordation, recovery, and interpretation of the Blackbeard’s flagship, lost in 1718 in Beaufort Inlet. He is also responsible for the preservation of North Carolina’s maritime heritage through the protection, investigation, and public interpretation of over 4000 other shipwrecks present in state waters.

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THE BIG DIG: A History of the Intracoastal Waterway in New Hanover County

Patrick Skotniczny — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 23:38:05 +0000

Join Us Thursday March 9th from 11:30am to 1:00pm at The Historic Assembly Building

Want to know more about how the Intracoastal Waterway made its way through North Carolina? Join HSTI and Elaine B. Henson for “The Big Dig: A History of the Intracoastal Waterway in New Hanover County”. Lunch, catered by The Beach Shop and Grill will be corned beef and cabbage with potatoes and carrots, salad, rolls, dessert and tea. There is no charge for the program only, but please register to guarantee your seat!Elaine Blackwell Henson is presently the President of the Federal Point Historic Preservation Society. She has served as a past president of the Cape Fear Garden Club, past chairman of Azalea Garden Tour and has served on the board of the Historical Society of the Lower Cape Fear. Her book, “A Postcard History: Carolina Beach”, grew out of her love and curiosity of vintage photographs and has led to many historic articles in local magazines.

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What Happened to the Lost Colony?

Patrick Skotniczny — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 00:45:40 +0000

What Happened to the Lost Colony? Join David LaVere, Ph.D. from the North Carolina Humanities Council at the Historical Society of Topsail Island’s February Luncheon to explore this mystery!

Catered by the Beach Shop and Grill- So you know lunch will be great! Penne Pasta with Meatballs, salad, rolls, dessert and tea.

Space is limited so be sure to Register Soon!

The Lost Colony is one of the great NC mysteries. History professor Dr. David LaVere’s research shows that when the English colonists who were left on Roanoke in 1587 disappeared, they tried to leave clues to their whereabouts. Though John Smith and others would look for them, the Lost Colonists were never seen again by Europeans. Their fate terrified the English and had the potential to derail future English colonization. This talk explains Roanoke Indian society and politics, English Elizabethan politics and colonial ambitions, who and what made the Roanoke colony fail, and what LaVere believes happened to the Lost Colonists.

David LaVere, Ph. D.
Professor of History at UNC Wilmington, freelance writer, authorProf. David La Vere teaches American Indian History at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. He is an award-winning author and public speaker. Born in New Orleans, he served a hitch as a Marine Corps infantryman, then earned a B.A. in Journalism from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Upon graduation, he spent five years in Dallas as an advertising copywriter. Discovering he enjoyed writing history more than writing ad copy, he returned to Northwestern State and earned an MA in History, From there he went on to Texas A&M University for his Ph.D. in History. He came to UNC Wilmington in 1993 and is now a professor of history there. La Vere has just finished his seventh book, titled The Tuscarora War: Indians, Settlers and the Fight for the Carolina Colonies, and published in October 2013 by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Press. Besides books, he’s written numerous articles for Our State North Carolina magazine and for

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Historical Society of Topsail Island awards four scholarships to local seniors

Patrick Skotniczny — Fri, 15 Apr 2016 23:34:28 +0000

TOPSAIL BEACH – In a celebration of student achievement, the Historical Society of Topsail Island awarded Ashley Spillane, Richard Baker, Emily Korenek, and George Horiates III scholarships.

The four students, hailing from Topsail and Dixon high schools, chose a historical event which occurred in Onslow or Pender counties.

The students presented their projects during the April 14 Historical Society of Topsail Island luncheon meeting.

Richard Baker, the son of Barbara Baker Hazle, Link Baker and stepfather Scott Hazle, is a senior at Topsail High School. He wrote a poem entitled “A Tale of Two Sisters.” The poem featured two sisters, Bertha and Fran, who wreaked havoc along the Carolina Coast. He researched the storms and presented information prior to reading his original poem to the historical society.

Richard has been accepted at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and he intends to study biomedical engineering.

George Horiates III, the son of Mary and Angelo Horiates, is first in his graduating class at Dixon High School. He gave a PowerPoint presentation about Operation Bumblebee. A resident of Holly Ridge, George focused his research on how the military shaped the community of Greater Topsail.

George has been accepted by West Point and the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. He wants to study biology.

Emily Korenek, a Dixon High School senior, has overcome many obstacles her life, including pediatric cancer. The daughter of CJ and Martin Korenek, Emily intends to study nursing at Campbell University.

She presented her essay in a PowerPoint presentation about Yopp’s Meeting House, a structure located near the back gate of Camp Lejeune.

“I drive by this every day,” she said.

In her research she touched upon history of Sneads Ferry, established in 1725. Yopp’s Meeting House is the oldest standing building in Sneads Ferry. It was also known as Yopp’s Primative Baptist Church, hence its “Plain Jane” style. The meeting house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999 and a non-profit group has formed to restore, preserve and maintain the historic building. She also noted the cemetery at the meeting house is quite historic with graves dating back to 1844 and 1842.

Ashley Spillane, a senior at Topsail High School created original artwork entitled “Sunrise over Moores Creek Bridge,” in which she depicted the morning light following the battle. She incorporated historical features in the art, including a Scottish Highlander and the canon Mother Covington. She also noted boards missing from the bridge and the decoy Patriot Caswell camp.

“I used colored pencil and a textured paper to give an effect of bark on a tree,” she said. “I wanted the finished piece to have a blurred-look because we’re looking back through a blurred lens of time.”

Ashley is the daughter of Richard and Dana Spillane.

Virginia Teachey, the chair of the education/scholarship committee said these four students’ works were selected from 16 applicants. She said she and the committee were impressed by the academics, extra-curricular activities, and work of the seniors.

“The selection process is totally blind,” said Teachey.

The committee members do not know the names of the students applying, she said.

“The Education Committee of the Historical Society of Topsail Island evaluates each scholarship entry using a ‘blind entry’ scoring rubric.”

Historical Society of Topsail Island scholarships are awarded on several criteria, said Teachey. Students must have above a 3.0 grade point average, student activities, and original essays or art.

“Applicants must choose a historical event which occurred in Onslow or Pender counties,” said Teachey.

Students present their selected historical event in a written essay of at least 500 words, or in an original piece of visual art, or through an original song or an original piece of poetry, said Teachey, adding that the student’s work must demonstrate a complete understanding of the event and its historical importance. Essays and student work are judged on accuracy, the organization of the material, and the creativity and originality of the presentation.

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A Tale of Two Sarahs – March 2016 Luncheon

Patrick Skotniczny — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 23:57:35 +0000

The 18th century was not an easy time to be an indentured servant. Meet two women who refused to accept their lot in life and forged their own destinies through cunning, lies and deception.

Learn about the characters and cultures that populated Tryon Palace and the surrounding areas of New Bern throughout history. If you have toured Tryon Palace you may be familiar with topics like the Stanly family and 18th-century dining culture, but these lunches will take you deeper into the history of the palace and the people of historic New Bern.

The March luncheon of the Historical Society of Topsail Island will be held at the Assembly Building on Thursday, March 10, 2016, at 11:30 AM. Mr. Matt Arthur, Living History Program Coordinator at Tryon Palace, will share the history of indentured servants in NC during the late 17th and 18th centuries.

Lunch, prepared by The Beach Shop, will include:
Corned Beef with Cabbage, Potatoes, Carrots
Salad, rolls, dessert and tea

Remember that reservations are required for the luncheon. There is no charge for attending the program only. Cost is $12 ($10 for attendees 70+) to be paid at the door.

RSVP to hstiluncheons@gmail.com or call 910-389-8776 by Friday, March 4th.

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Patrick Skotniczny, Author at Historical Society of Topsail Island

Bumblebee Buzz June 2019

Bumblebee Buzz June 2019

Volunteer Today!

UP COMING EVENTS:

Don’t Miss This: 2019 OCEAN CITY JAZZ FESTIVAL

Historical Society of Topsail Island raffles limited edition canvas with portion of Surf City Swing Bridge

Historical Society of Topsail Island raffles limited edition canvas with portion of Surf City Swing Bridge

Bumblebee Buzz May 2019

Bumblebee Buzz May 2019

Volunteer Today!

UP COMING EVENTS:

Autumn with Topsail wins award!!

Bumblebee Buzz April 2019

Bumblebee Buzz April 2019

Volunteers in Action #HSTIStrong

Missiles & More Museum Ribbon Cutting & Open House

Monday April 15, 2019 2PM-5PM

Volunteer Today!

UP COMING EVENTS:

Congratulations 2019 HSTI Scholarship Winners!

Pirates Invade the Museum!

Commerce and Conflict; Wilmington, Fort Fisher and Blockade Running During the Civil War

Commerce and Conflict; Wilmington, Fort Fisher and Blockade Running During the Civil War

THE BIG DIG: A History of the Intracoastal Waterway in New Hanover County

What Happened to the Lost Colony?

​Historical Society of Topsail Island awards four scholarships to local seniors

A Tale of Two Sarahs – March 2016 Luncheon

Don’t Miss This:
2019 OCEAN CITY JAZZ FESTIVAL

Missiles & More Museum
Ribbon Cutting
& Open House

Monday
April 15, 2019
2PM-5PM

Historical Society of Topsail Island awards four scholarships to local seniors