Museum of Coastal Carolina and Ingram Planetarium celebrate milestone anniversaries

OCEAN ISLE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — The Museum of Coastal Carolina and Ingram Planetarium are marking milestone anniversaries in May, celebrating 35 years of sea and 25 years of sky with a series of events and activities.

Located about four miles apart in Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach, the museum and planetarium were both founded by Stuart and Louis Ingram and operate under the Ocean Isle Museum Foundation. The museum opened to the public May 25, 1991, with the planetarium opening during the same week 10 years later.

While each facility has a different focus, both share a mission of providing fun, interactive science education to southeastern North Carolina.

Celebrations will take place throughout the month, with special events scheduled from May 23 through May 26.

The anniversary events began May 1 with the Ocean Isle Museum Golf Classic and Auction, which sold out quickly. Proceeds from the event support Elevating Access, a project aimed at improving accessibility at the museum by adding an elevator and expanding access to areas currently only reachable by stairs.

Leading up to the main celebration, the museum will feature activities based on original exhibits beginning May 18, along with photo displays and pieces from past collections at both locations.

On May 23, the planetarium will host a star party birthday celebration from 6 to 8:30 p.m., featuring telescopes for viewing celestial objects and activities in the Science Hall. Admission and birthday cake will be free.

The museum will hold its birthday celebration May 25 with special activities, including making birthday hats and cards, playing games and enjoying cake at noon. Activities are free with museum admission.

The celebration will conclude May 26 with a special Sandbar Lecture Series presentation at 5:30 p.m. Ocean Isle Beach Mayor Debbie Smith will share memories of growing up in the area, including her family’s experience as the first year-round residents following Hurricane Hazel.

Organizers say the monthlong celebration highlights decades of educational programming and community engagement while looking ahead to the future of both institutions.