March 2017

Commerce and Conflict; Wilmington, Fort Fisher and Blockade Running During the Civil War ​​The Historical Society of Topsail Island (HSTI) invites you to lunch with our exciting speaker, John William Morris III, MA, RPA (aka Billy Ray) at our April Luncheon.  Morris explores Wilmington during the American Civil War, one of the most important ports in the Confederacy.  With two approaches into the Cape Fear River Wilmington rapidly became the pivotal port for the importation of supplies and munitions for the Army of Northern Virginia. The Underwater Archaeology Branch of the Office of State Archaeology has recorded 27 shipwrecks from vessels involved in the campaign to close the port of Wilmington from 1861-1865. The program is set for April

Join Us Thursday March 9th from 11:30am to 1:00pm at The Historic Assembly Building ​Want to know more about how the Intracoastal Waterway made its way through North Carolina?  Join HSTI and Elaine B. Henson for "The Big Dig: A History of the Intracoastal Waterway in New Hanover County".  Lunch, catered by The Beach Shop and Grill will be corned beef and cabbage with potatoes and carrots, salad, rolls, dessert and tea.  There is no charge for the program only, but please register to guarantee your seat!Elaine Blackwell Henson is presently the President of the Federal Point Historic Preservation Society.  She has served as a past president of the Cape Fear Garden Club,  past chairman of Azalea Garden Tour and has served on the