Exhibits

Operation Bumblebee

Operation Bumblebee was the U.S. Navy’s secret guided missile testing program that operated on Topsail Island from 1946-1948. Exhibits include model and original missiles from the project, a full size Talos guided missile located outside at the front of the building, and in the Museum Kiosk, a film made in 1940 that chronicles the history of the program. Visitors will be fascinated to learn that Topsail Island served as a proving ground for some of the first U.S. missile efforts and that the principle of the controlled ramjet engine (the main concept for today’s supersonic flight) was tested and proven on Topsail Island as a result of Operation Bumblebee.

Camp Davis

Camp Davis at Holly Ridge, a community located just off Topsail Island, served as an important antiaircraft training center during World War II. Displays include many pictures and artifacts from World War II depicting the life and activities of the soldiers of Camp Davis. Visitors will learn tha during this era, the town of Holly Ridge swelled from 28 to 110,000 people and that Camp Davis played a major role in WWII technology including the development of the early guided missile program on Topsail Island.

Osprey Aircraft

This exciting exhibit documents the development, design and utilization of the V-22 Osprey Aircraft, the world’s first production tilt-rotor aircraft. The V-22 is being tested at the New River Air Station and can often be seen flying over the skies of Topsail. In this exhibit, visitors are treated to magnificent photographs of the V-22 as well as two audio-visual centers which provide tours of the aircraft and provide a history of its development.

PIRATES

From 1630 to 1720 pirates plundered merchant ships traveling up and down the Atlantic. This exhibit features 10 notorious pirates, including the infamous Blackbeard. It is said that Blackbeard launched some of his attacks from the shallow inlets of Topsail Island,and legend has it that Topsail Island was named by merchant captains who learned to spot the highest masts, or Tops’ls, of the pirate ships in order to outrun the looters.

CHILDREN

Children will be attracted to many of the exhibits including the Pirate and Osprey Aircraft exhibits, an international seashell collection, and beach geology displays which are kid-friendly and interactive.

Stories and More

Enjoy stories, activities, arts and crafts, and refreshments at the summer time Stories and More events for children ages 5 through 8.  Pre-registration is needed no later than the Wednesday before each Thursday event and there is a limit of 12 children per afternoon.  Check the calendar or call the museum for more information about registration or additional details.  Featured storytellers are all popular local volunteers and most have a background in education.  Activities and stories vary depending on the storyteller, so come back often and enjoy all of the local talent we have at the museum.

Each child gets a bag of treats and refreshments to enjoy!