Robert E. Harrill, known as the Fort Fisher Hermit, lived for 17 years under the stars, living off the land and visitors’ contributions. These visitors came by the thousands each year to meet “The Hermit.” A misnomer from almost the beginning, “The Hermit” treated anyone who came by with a warmth and friendly appreciation that was contagious.
At the impressionable age of twelve, Harry Warren and his father visited the Fort Fisher Hermit at his bunker. They watched as he scurried barefoot around his camp wearing a tattered straw hat. An old iron frying pan was out for people to make a contribution.
As an adult, Harry Warren began his career at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher with an exhibit about Robert Harrill, the Fort Fisher Hermit. Robert Harrill lived under the stars and off the land, and survived with contributions from visitors for 17 years.
Come to the Museum of Coastal Carolina on Ocean Isle Beach to hear about his survival skills and the story of the man who became a local legend.
Harry Warren, Director of the NC Forestry Museum in Whiteville, will present the program, The Fort Fisher Hermit, at the Museum of Coastal Carolina on Tuesday, February 8 at 7 p.m. Lectures are free with Museum admission. The Museum opens at 6:30 p.m. for self-guided tours. The program starts at 7 p.m. and lasts about an hour. Lecture programs are included in membership.
Other upcoming activities at the Museum are Preschoolers Day Out on Fridays at 11, Protect our Sea Turtles on March 12, What is BrunswickCatch.org? on April 12, Family Day on April 23, and What Kinda Fish Is That, Mister? on May 14.
The Museum of Coastal Carolina, NC’s only natural history museum on a barrier island, is located at 21 East Second Street, Ocean Isle Beach,
beside the playground and just a block from the beach and the pier. Enjoy coastal natural history . . . for the fun of it! Seven themed galleries
with dioramas, exhibits, hands-on activities and a tidal touch tank with live sea animals feature the natural history, environment, and culture of the Coastal Carolinas.
The Museum’s winter and spring hours are Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. through May 28th. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for senior adults 60 & over, $6 students K-12 & College ID, and $4 Preschool ages 3-5, Ages 2 & under are free. Annual memberships are available. The Museum is a great place to volunteer and volunteers are needed. Check www.museumofcc.org or call 910.579.1016 for further information.
Two Pieces of Glass at Planetarium
Ingram Planetarium also has family-friendly activities. In the Paul Dennis Science Hall during February, check out self-guided, independent activities for Small Bodies: Big Impact from NASA’s Year of the Solar System. Sky Theater shows are Two Pieces of Glass, Astronaut, Seven Wonders, and Interstellar Boundary Explorer on Fridays and Saturdays through May 28 from 1-4 p.m. Laser music shows are on February 18 & 19 with Laser Vinyl at 5 p. m. and Laser Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon at 6 p.m. The Planetarium is located at 7625 High Market Street in Sunset Beach and has digital sky theater shows about astronomy, science, space exploration, and laser rock & roll music shows. Winter and spring hours are Fridays and Saturdays only from 12:30-4 p.m. through May 28. Admission per show is $8 Adult and $6 for Senior Adults and children. Memberships and volunteer opportunities are available. Groups should call for advance reservations
and instructions. Call 910.575.0033 or visit www.ingramplanetarium.org for more information.
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