The Historical Society of Topsail Island is pleased to open a new exhibit in the Missiles and More Museum, entitled Historic Ocean City Beach.
The exhibit that spotlights local African American heritage will open on Saturday, April 20, according to a Monday press release from the Historical Society of Topsail Island. The open house will be from 3 p.m. to 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, according to the release. 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 release explained that 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 in the release. "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.
Housed in the Historic Assembly Building, located at 720 Channel Boulevard in Topsail Beach, the museum opened in 1995 and expanded in 2005. Currently, exhibits include Topsail Island's natural history, a Native American canoe, Pirates, Women Airforce Service Pilots, Camp Davis, Operation Bumblebee and much more.
Admission is free but donations are welcomed, according to the release.
