The Southport Historical Society was organized in 1976 to preserve and interpret the unique history of Southport, North Carolina.

The Southport Historical Society had its beginnings in 1975 when Eleanor Smith shared the idea with Susie Carson that Southport should have a historical society. They both agreed that the nation’s bicentennial year would be a great time to start the society.

After organizing in 1976 with 42 charter members, according to Susie Carson, the new society “realized the most urgent task was to catalog the information to be found on the stones still standing in the cemeteries in town and surrounding area.”

Since that time the scope of activities and programs initiated and supported by the society has grown considerably:

• Sponsoring the annual Holiday Home Tour on the second Saturday each December.
• Identifying and installing plaques on historic buildings and properties.
• Assisting in genealogical research.
• Conducting local history classes.
• Conducting lectures and special tours for school groups and other organizations and individuals.
• Providing visitor information and a self-guided tour brochure available at the Southport Visitors Center.
• Providing walking tours of historic sites in Southport via the PocketSights mobile app.
• Presenting lectures on historical topics.
• Recording history through oral and video interviews.
• Preserving and maintaining the “Old Jail” museum and the Garrison museum.
• Identifying and protecting old Southport cemeteries.
• Publishing and sale of books related to local history.
• Annually awarding a 2-year scholarship to a graduating South Brunswick High School Senior. (over $30,000 has been given out in scholarships)
• Publication of our newsletter, The Whittler’s Bench 

In 2021, the Southport Historical Society was awarded the Albert Ray Newsome Award for Excellence in Local History by the Federation of North Carolina Historical Societies. SHS was selected for this award based on the extensive online programming conducted throughout the COVID pandemic. 

Mission Statement

The Southport Historical Society is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization registered under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code dedicated to bringing together persons interested in local area history. SHS endeavors to do so by providing opportunities for learning through programs and special events; published articles and books; educational classes; and community projects that will both enhance and preserve the unique history and heritage of Southport and the surrounding area.