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The Keeper's Times
The Old Baldy Foundation Community Newsletter
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Fundraising events are an integral part of The Old Baldy Foundation.
These events allow us the opportunity to raise funds to execute our mission of historic preservation and education. More importantly, they allow us to create a gathering place to celebrate Old Baldy and its historical significance!
Make sure to save the dates and plan to celebrate and support the legacy of Old Baldy!
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Mark your Calendars for this month's Historic Happy Hour!
On the picturesque grounds of Old Baldy, toast to history with the BHI community. Enjoy complimentary beverages in the shadow
of Old Baldy.
Included in your reservation is admission into the Museum and beer and wine. Space is limited and reservations are required!
Join us Tuesday,
May 16th at 4:30 p.m. to learn about "A Post of Duty: Fort Holmes and Bald Head Island During the Civil War." Featuring Speaker, Dr. Chris E. Fonvielle, Jr., A Professor Emeritus in the Department of History at UNC-Wilmington.
Dr. Fonvielle is a native of Wilmington with a lifelong interest in American Civil War, North Carolina, and Cape Fear History. He attend New Hanover High School, class of 1971. After receiving his B.A. in Anthropology at the University of North Carolina - Wilmington. He served as the last curator
of the Blockade Runner Museum.
Dr. Fonvielle received his M.A. in American History at East Carolina University, and his Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina.
He has published many books and articles including The Wilmington Campaign: Last Rays of Departing Hope and Fort Fisher 1864: The Photographs of T.H. Sullivan, Curious Tales from Old Wilmington and the Lower Cape Fear: The Truth Behind the Legends.
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Vendor Spots are available for the NC Marketplace!
Sunday, June 11th & Sunday, August 6th
We are thrilled to bring back our NC Marketplace as part of North Carolina Treasures weekend.
Islanders rave about having Lighthouse Wynd lined with vendors offering homemade goods! Delicious smells and beautiful creations are Old Baldy's backdrop for this afternoon event.
Are you a local maker and interested in being a vendor for the event?
to learn more!
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The Old Baldy Foundation’s
North Carolina Treasures Weekend
By Stacy Kopp, Communications and Development Coordinator;
The Old Baldy Foundation
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During the weekend of June 9th-11th, The Old Baldy Foundation, which oversees the preservation of the 206-year-old lighthouse, will celebrate North Carolina treasures with a roster of activities showcasing the best of the state’s arts, history and spirits!
The weekend’s highlights will be a themed Evening under the Stars, “1970’s and the Generator Society" with a presentation and book signing by “Author Mary-Kathryn Moore. She wrote Bald Head Island: The Early Years: Memories, Mishaps, and Merriment.
Immerse yourself in the equally entertaining and inspiring true stories of the people who stewarded the transition of Bald Head Island from an isolated barrier island into a relaxing destination oasis – one appreciated today by visitors from around the world. This event will take place Friday, June 9th at 6:00 p.m on the picturesque grounds of Old Baldy. Enjoy craft beer, wine and spirits from NC breweries and distillers. Heavy hors d’oeuvres presented by The Shoals Club.
In addition, Sunday, June 11th, will feature a North Carolina Marketplace on the Old Baldy grounds from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. This artisan gathering will feature local food purveyors, décor, arts, handcrafted drinks and more. Stop by to shop for the freshest local ingredients to whip up dinner in your coastal kitchen or look for the perfect new piece to go in your home. This event will celebrate the talented vendors who represent North Carolina’s rich history and landscape with their work.
The event is made possible by the sponsors and volunteers who support the Old Baldy Foundation. For information, prices and tickets for the entire weekend, go to oldbaldy.org or call 910-457-7481.
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Registration Now Open
Our Annual 4th of July Golf Cart Parade
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The 7th Annual Run for the Light 5k/10k
Sunday, August 6th at 6pm
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Our annual race is a scenic run near coastal dunes and through the maritime forest on Bald Head Island, NC.
Enjoy the sweeping views while running at dusk toward the light of The Old Baldy Lighthouse.
Make your participation in this race an entire day trip your whole family can enjoy by taking part in an afternoon festival celebrating National Lighthouse Day featuring crafts, food and more!
This event is perfect to showcase one of North Carolina’s most beautiful beaches and historic sites– it will be one to mark off your bucket list!
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Outer Banks Lighthouse Society
Keeper's Weekend
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Last weekend, the Old Baldy Foundation sent a representative - Stacy Kopp, our Communications & Development Coordinator, to attend The Outer Banks Lighthouse Society's Keeper's Weekend!
The weekend consisted of exploring Ocracoke's vast history and treasures. From touring Ocracoke Lighthouse and grounds, presentations by NPS Rangers, visiting the British Cemetery, and celebrating the Ocracoke Lighthouse 200th Anniversary!
The Outer Banks Lighthouse Society had an Awards Dinner where they honored our very own Board President Mark and his wife Robin Prak for their wonderful, ongoing support of the Old Baldy Foundation!
Congratulations Mark and Robin! We thank you for all of your support and the dedication you put forth for Old Baldy!
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Collections Spotlight
Written by Jake Grossman
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I was perusing our collection seeking inspiration for this month’s spotlight when I stumbled upon a purple notebook covered in writing. Curious, I opened it up and discovered it was the 1997 guestbook for Old Baldy.
As much as I love writing about buttons from the 18th century or rudders from the 19th, there is a certain beauty in everyday objects that one would not expect to find years later. Thus, let us spotlight the guest book and delve into 1997 here at Old Baldy.
In 1985 the Old Baldy Foundation formed to preserve Old Baldy and share the history of Smith Island. The initial Board of Directors included Kent Mitchell, Andrew R. Henderson, and Donna Ray. From 1991 to 1993 the Foundation fundraised $250,000 to preserve and stabilize the lighthouse and make it
safe for the public to climb. Old Baldy quickly became a hit with climbers travelling from all of the world to spend a breath or two before their breath was taken away by the view from the top.
One former Old Baldy Foundation staff member (or volunteer) came up with the brilliant idea to keep a guestbook of everyone who
visited. Our book includes names, hometowns, when they climbed, drawings, as well as boasts like “I got to the top but my husband didn’t”. Although, messy and seemingly ordinary, our guest book is another thread woven into the fabric of Bald Head Island.
Did you climb in 1997? Do you think your name is on
the list? Let us know and I will try and seek it out for you!
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May Old Baldy Book Club Selection-
Curious Tales
from Old Wilmington and the Lower Cape Fear:
The Truth Behind the Legends
by Chris E. Fonvielle, Jr.
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In Curious Tales From Old Wilmington and the Lower Cape Fear: The Truth Behind the Legends, Chris E. Fonvielle, Jr., Professor Emeritus in the Department of History at UNC-Wilmington, explores five famous urban legends with the skills of a professional historian.
The stories have been told and retold for many years, in one case more than 200 years, but what is the truth behind them? What really happened and what do the legends reveal?
Find out in this month's Book of the Month! Stay tuned for discussion posts on our Facebook and Instagram!
Purchase your autographed copy in store at the Old Baldy Gift Shop
or online!
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John and Kim Gottshall
John and Doreen Fairbank
Marianna and Slaughter Fitz-Hugh
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