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Historic Happy Hour Events at Old Baldy
Join us for an unforgettable experience at the Historic Happy Hour Events, hosted at the iconic Old Baldy Lighthouse. Each event features a fascinating guest speaker who will share captivating stories about North Carolina, Coastal Carolina, and Maritime History. Our exciting 2026 lineup is filled with engaging discussions that bring the rich history of our region to life, all while enjoying a refreshing beverage!
Event Details:
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Location: Old Baldy Lighthouse, Bald Head Island
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Ticket Price: $15 (Includes Beer, Wine, and Entry to the Event)
Upcoming Event Dates
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March 17, 2026, 4:30PM: Speaker: Stephen Humphreys The Battlefield as a Bridge: Veterans in Conflict Archaeology – American Veterans Archaeological Recovery (AVAR) uses battlefields and conflict sites to help military veterans transition into careers in professional archaeology. In this presentation, Stephen Humphreys will discuss how and why these sites are important for the veteran community and how veterans can benefit from careers in this discipline. Stephen co-founded AVAR in 2016 and has served as CEO since that time. He is the Principal Investigator of the AVAR Conflict Archaeology School–Camden and Finding Medina Projects, has directed fieldwork on numerous Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency recoveries, and serves on the Advisory Board of the Center for Integrative Research in Conflict Archaeology. A National Geographic Explorer, Stephen has directed and participated in archaeological projects in Israel, Jordan, Cyprus, the United Kingdom, Sicily, and the United States. He holds a Ph.D. in Archaeology from Durham University, as well as an MA in Archaeology and Biblical Studies and an MA in Theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Prior to his graduate studies, Stephen was a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force, deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
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May 19, 2026, 4:30PM: Speaker: Aida Havel - Aida Havel will be presenting on Herbert Bamber. Additional details on the topic and biography will be announced soon.
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June 23, 2026, 4:30PM: Speaker: Emily Farmer - Emily Farmer will join us for June’s Historic Happy Hour. Additional details on her topic and background will be announced soon.
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July 28, 2026, 5:30PM: Speaker: To Be Announced Details for our July Historic Happy Hour will be announced soon.
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August 18, 2026, 5:30PM: Speaker: Dr. Kimberly Sherman Dr. Kimberly Sherman will return to Historic Happy Hour to present on Thomas Peters. Additional details on the lecture will be announced soon.
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September 2026, 4:30PM: Speaker and date to be announced
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October 2026, 4:30PM: Speaker and date to be announced
Get Your Tickets Now!
Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to explore the history of our beautiful coast while enjoying a drink and a beautiful sunset at Old Baldy Lighthouse. Tickets are just $15 and can be purchased online. Stay tuned for speaker updates and further details.
We are thrilled to have the Henson Building Co. as the official sponsor of our Historic Happy Hour events, helping us continue our mission to preserve and celebrate history.
A special thanks to Ponysaurus Brewing Co. for their generous donation of all the beer served at our 2025 happy hour events—your support makes these gatherings even more memorable!
Beach Chair Historian Program
Become a Beach Chair Historian and join a special group of supporters dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Bald Head Island and the Lower Cape Fear region. By purchasing a pass for $75, you’ll receive access to all Historic Happy Hours throughout the 2025 season, along with a special gift from the Old Baldy Foundation.
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Your participation as a Beach Chair Historian goes beyond just attending events—it’s an investment in the mission of the Old Baldy Foundation. Your support helps us continue our work in preserving the iconic Old Baldy Lighthouse, historic artifacts, and the rich history of our region. As a Beach Chair Historian, you’re playing an active role in keeping these important stories alive for future generations.
Join us in making history come to life while supporting the preservation of this cherished landmark!