Topsail Island museum features exhibit on African American heritage

TOPSAIL ISLAND, NC (WWAY) — A new exhibit in a Topsail Island museum is shining a spotlight on African American heritage. 

The exhibit, titled Historic Ocean City Beach, is on display at the Missiles and More Museum.  

Ocean City Beach was established in 1949 and was deemed the first community in North Carolina where black people could purchase ocean front property. 

Museum Director Laurette Gordon said the museum collaborated with the Ocean City Citizen’s Council to bring this exhibit to life. 

“We don’t want to forget Ocean City Beach. It was just an audacious undertaking in that day to have this 1-mile stretch become African American owned. Before that it was not allowed,” Gordon said. 

Gordon said the museum works to preserve Topsail Island history and the story behind Ocean City Beach is a key part of that history.