The Historical Society of Topsail Island
offers monthly luncheons,
September thru May,
with speakers to promote our mission of education.
Please click the Luncheon TITLE to Read More…
Fort Fisher During WWII | Civil War | Cliff Tyndall | Becky Sawyer
October 9, 2025 – Together, Tyndall and Sawyer bring deep expertise in the history of southeastern North Carolina. Tyndall, author of five books on Civil War and World War II history, and Sawyer, Collections Manager and Programs Coordinator at Fort Fisher State Historic Site, share a strong commitment to preservation and research. Their combined experience includes academic study, extensive archival work at the National Archives, and leadership in public history through educational programming, staff development, and historic interpretation.
The Sand Spit has History | Wayne Peale
September 11, 2025 – Historian Wayne Peale shares his presentation, “The Sand Spit Has History,” highlighting Topsail Island’s unique story. This talk promises to share both well-known and surprising chapters in the story of the island we call home.
Connecting Visitors with North Carolina’s Rich Maritime Heritage | Shannon Walker
May 8th, 2025 – Ms. Shannon Walker talks about her conservation efforts, including the rescue and relocation of the iconic Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula), a rare carnivorous plant found only in the wild in parts of southeastern North and South Carolina.
Anne Bonny and Mary Read | Christine Brin
March 13, 2025 – Ms. Christine Brin will discuss the Stories of Anne Bonny and Mary Read. Golden Age of Piracy.
Historic Ocean City Beach, NC | Kenneth S. Chestnut, Sr.
February 13, 2025 - Mr. Kenneth S. Chestnut, will discuss the development of the Ocean City Community on Topsail Island and the upcoming Jazz festival in the summer of 2025. Open for Special Announcement!
NC in the American Revolution | LTC (RET) Gary O. Green
January 9, 2025 - NC in the American Revolution| LTC Retired Gary O. Green who will speak about NC in the American Revolution.
Local History | Camp Davis
November 14, 2024 - Jeff Wenzel is an active member of the Historical Society of Topsail Island and is passionate about preserving and sharing local history.
Folktales & Spooky Stories from State Archives
Oct 10, 2024 - The Historical Society of Topsail Island is proud to present Lauren McCoy who will speak about State Archives Folktales & Spooky Stories.
Moores Creek Battlefield
Sept 12, 2024 - The Historical Society of Topsail Island is proud to present Jason Howell who will speak about Moores Creek National Battlefield. Jason Howell is a Park Guide, Historic Weapons Supervisor and Historian at Moores Creek National Battlefield.
Historic Halifax & Halifax Resolves
May 9, 2024 - The Historical Society of Topsail Island is proud to present Frank McMahon who will speak about Historic Halifax where the “Halifax Resolves” were unanimously adopted. This was the first official action by an entire colony recommending independence from England.