Looking Ahead to 2026: Leading Old Baldy and the Smith Island Museum of History into a New Era

As we look toward 2026, the Old Baldy Foundation is preparing for one of the most ambitious and meaningful years in our organization’s history. With Old Baldy nearing its third century, our focus is firmly set on thoughtful stewardship, expanded scholarship, and a renewed commitment to honoring the stories that shaped Bald Head Island. To achieve this, we’ll be working alongside an incredible group of partners—historians, designers, veterans, and preservation professionals—each bringing unique strengths to the year ahead.

One of the most exciting collaborations will be with American Veteran Archaeological Recovery (AVAR), a nonprofit dedicated to providing veterans with real-world opportunities in archaeological science. Their team will lead an archaeological investigation of recently acquired land at the historic campus. This work will not only help us better understand the early history of the island, but it will also give veterans the chance to apply their skills, leadership, and passion to meaningful historical research. The partnership represents exactly the kind of impact-driven, community-centered work we are striving for in 2026—bringing people together to uncover the past while building purpose in the present.

Veterans from American Veterans Archaeological Recovery participating in a field excavation.

We will also be working with Design Dimension, Inc., a highly respected exhibition and interpretive design firm with more than five decades of experience interpreting stories of coastal North Carolina. Their team will guide the development of a comprehensive master plan for the Old Baldy campus—a thoughtful long-term vision that will shape how visitors engage with the lighthouse grounds, museum exhibits, and the island’s wider history for years to come. Their expertise will help us elevate our visitor experience while ensuring that authenticity and preservation remain at the center of every decision.

 The studio environment at Design Dimension is rooted in the belief that good design is the best form of storytelling, which involves problem-solving and a strong collaborative process. 

Beth Navarez with collections materials for her consulting work with the Ava Gardner Museum.

As part of this master planning process, we’ll be collaborating closely with Beth Nevarez Historical Consulting, who will play an essential role in shaping the future of our collections. With her expertise in collections management, she will help us assess our artifacts and determine the priorities for conservation and care. Her work—carefully evaluating what to preserve first and how best to interpret these items—will be directly integrated with the master plan developed by Design Dimension. This combined approach ensures that our collections are not only well cared for, but also meaningfully incorporated into the visitor experience for generations to come.

Keeper's Cottage ca. 1893

Another focus for 2026 will be the ongoing stewardship of our historic structures. While Old Baldy itself has long been the centerpiece of our preservation efforts, the coming year will bring renewed attention to the accessory buildings that complete our historic campus. These structures help tell the full story of the site—from its maritime past to its role in the wider history of Bald Head Island. Preserving them ensures that visitors experience a cohesive, immersive historic landscape.

Together, these partnerships and projects reflect the Foundation’s commitment to leading Old Baldy and the Smith Island Museum of History into their next century with purpose, creativity, and care. We are deeply grateful to the supporters, experts, volunteers, and community members who make this work possible.

With your help, 2026 will be a year of discovery, preservation, and vision—one that honors Old Baldy’s past while preparing it for a bright and enduring future.