Bumblebee Buzz February 2021
Preserving the Past, Enjoying the Present, Building the Future.
A Note From The President...

Did you know that a Congressional Medal of Honor was awarded for actions that occurred on Topsail Island during the Civil War? No? I did not either. In fact, I was not aware of any Civil War activities that occurred on Topsail Island. I recently talked to an amateur historian who has been researching Topsail Island for many years. He advised me that there are a number of other stories to be told about 18th and 19th century events that occurred here. Your historical society will be researching these missing events and pieces of history in the near future with an eye to adding new chapters to the story of Topsail Island.

The Covid-19 vaccine has arrived for some and, by the time I write in the next Bumble Bee Buzz, I sincerely hope that it will have for all or most of you. One of our country’s top Covid experts said yesterday that we may be able to have an almost normal summer! That could mean Bingo, weddings and family gatherings at the Assembly Building, the summer Aquarium series, luncheons, reopening our museum, and Autumn with Topsail! I am optimistic!

Stay safe & healthy and please wear a mask,

John Morris
Welcome our new Event Scheduling Coordinator
Stella Spera

Stella comes to us with over 20 years experience in personal vacation planning and hospitality. She also owns Topsail Design and Studio, LLC specializing in wedding and portrait photography. She brings enthusiasum and eagerness to our Assembly Building management team.
We also want to welcome Rick Stidley to the Assembly Building Managemant Team as the Facilities Manager. Rick wears many hats at HSTI and will be an asset in his new position.

If you or anyone you know would like to rent the Assembly Building or grounds for an event, please have them contact Stella at 910.328.8663 and press 1.
**We are a Count On Me NC Certified business.**

WE HAD A REVERSE RAFFLE!
Scholarship Fundraiser was a Smashing Success
Thank you to everyone who supported our fundraiser by buying a ticket!

A HUGE Thank You to our Reverse Raffle Team, lead by Rick Stidley! They did an outstanding job of selling tickets, advertising, soliciting consolation prizes and running the live-streamed raffle with integrity and accountability.

Special Thanks to all of our consolation prize sponsors:
Battleship North Carolina & The Missiles and More Museum
Bobbie Morrison
Jeff Wenzel, Above Topsail.com 
North Shore Country Club
Olde Point Country Club
Quarter Moon Books & Gifts
Tom Bland, The Dot Bland House
Autumn with Topsail Committee
HSTI Bingo Committee




2019 Scholarship Winners and School Counselors
2019 Scholarship Winners and School Counselors
Speaking of Scholarships...
Deadline for submission of projects has past! We hope you got your project in on time!
Our Education committee will be processing the applicants' entries and they will notify the winners in March.
Best wishes to all applicants and graduating 2021 Seniors!

The Historical Society of Topsail Island offers a scholarship contest each year. Scholarships awarded range in value from $1000.00 – $3,000.00. Applicants must be graduating seniors within the Dixon High School or Topsail High School attendance areas with an earned GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Applicants must choose a historical event which occurred in Onslow or Pender county and present that information in a written essay of at least 500 words and in an original piece of visual art, or through an original song or an original piece of poetry. The work must demonstrate complete understanding of the event and its historical importance. All genres require appropriate referencing. All entries will be judged on: accuracy of content, organization of material, creativity and originality of presentation.
NEW HSTI EDUCATION CHAIRPERSON TAPPED...
The HSTI Education Committee is excited to announce that Sue Bankes will become the next Education Chairperson as of May 1, 2021. Sue brings abundant talents to this position, developed through years of work experience in the private sector, the public school system and her church. She has been heavily involved with the Topsail Beach Sea Turtle Patrol and with HSTI Bingo since 2017. Please join us in welcoming Sue to a leadership position in your Historical Society.
In Memoriam
Charles "Chuck" Honke
Chuck was a key member of the HSTI volunteer Bingo team for many years.
Diane Litchney
Diane was a regular HSTI Luncheon attendee and a student scholarship evaluator on the HSTI Education Committee.
Monroe Morris
Monroe was a faithful volunteer who regularly set up and took down tables and chairs for HSTI events and at Autumn With Topsail
These dedicated Historical Society volunteers will be greatly missed by their many friends on Topsail Island.

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 for the month of March have been cancelled.
This action is in line with the Governor’s recommendations concerning COVID-19.

Closed Until further notice: Missiles and More Museum

We will continue to evaluate this situation during our virtual Board meetings and
keep you informed. The decision to cancel our HSTI public activities was not easy,
however, we share your concern about our communities’ safety and well being.
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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.