From the July 23, 2015, Pender-Topsail Post & Voice "Backyard Adventures: Missiles and More Museum" by Tammy Proctor.
The museum is located on the south end of Topsail Island in the Town of Topsail Beach and it preserves the history of the town, island and Operation Bumblebee. The museum is located atthe Assembly Building which is home to the Topsail Island Historical Society which operates it.
When I first saw the name Assembly Building, I figured this is where people assemble for activities, but it was actually where rockets were assembled and ramjet technology was developed after World War II.
The rockets were then taken across the island to the launch pad which is where the patio of the Jolly Roger Motel is located. The rockets would then be launched and tracked for trajectory and speed by crews stationed at eight concrete towers along the beach, most of which are still standing.The Assembly Building and neighboring concrete Control Tower are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The museum not only covers Operation Bumblebee but the whole history of the island which was closed to civilian use until after the military was finished using it in the late 1940s. That would include the Gold Hole, pirates and even a Civil War blockade-runner which was sunk nearby.
It is open everyday but Sunday from two to five p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day during the summer. It has reduced days the rest of the year except by appointment. Admission is free but donations really welcomed.
--CooterBee
