The Historical Society of Topsail Island opens a new Ocean City Beach exhibit in the Missiles and More Museum

TOPSAIL BEACH NC–The Historical Society of Topsail Island (HSTI) is pleased to open a new exhibit in the Missiles and More Museum entitled Historic Ocean City Beach. The exhibit that spotlights our local African American heritage will open on Saturday, April 20. Meet your Ocean City neighbors at an Open House from 3 -5 p.m.

Ocean City Beach was established in 1949 and became the first community in the state where African Americans could purchase oceanfront property. The close-knit community, which became a part of North Topsail Beach in 1990 continues to grow. Despite the passing of time, Ocean City Beach remains a community united in values and tradition.

Ocean City Beach was inducted into the North Carolina Civil Rights Trail in 2022 and is honored with a Civil Rights marker. In 2014 the community was inducted into the Jacksonville-Onslow African American Heritage Trail.

"Our Ocean City Beach exhibit panels were damaged during Hurricane Florence", said Museum Director Laurette Gordon. "I have enjoyed working with the Ocean City Citizens Council to redesign and reopen this exhibit about historic and beautiful Ocean City Beach."

The exhibit will be proudly featured in the Missiles and More Museum for generations to enjoy.

The Museum, housed in the Historic Assembly Building, 720 Channel Boulevard, Topsail Beach NC, opened in 1995 and expanded in 2005. Currently, Museum exhibits include Topsail Island's natural history, a Native American canoe, Pirates, Women Airforce Service Pilots, Camp Davis, Operation Bumblebee, and much, much more.

Admission is free. Donations are welcomed.

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

720 Channel Boulevard, Topsail Beach NC 28445 | PO Box 3653 Topsail Beach NC 28445

For information contact: Gaylene Branton, gntbraton@gmail.com 910.389.8776