North Carolina Shell Club (NCSC)

Mission: NCSC was established in 1957 and is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to responsible shell collecting, marine conservation, and the study of malacology. The Club mission is to provide meaningful opportunities for members to share best practices, meet other shell enthusiasts, and engage in community outreach. Membership includes beachcombers, explorers, citizen scientists and world travelers and provides networking and mentorship opportunities. Proceeds from the annual NCSC Shell Show help fund several scholarships at UNC-Wilmington and Carteret County Community College. The Club joined the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce to facilitate relationships and partnerships with local businesses and organizations.

North Carolina Shell Club Business Preview Reception, May 1, 2025

The North Carolina Shell Club hosted its first-ever business preview reception on Thurs., May 1. The event was an opportunity for local businesses and organizations to meet Club members, learn about NCSC’s community outreach efforts and be the first to view the Shell Show before it opens to the public. It was a successful effort to create and build partnerships to support Coastal North Carolina.

Student Seminars

A new feature of the 2025 NC Shell Show was student day. Dr. Dan Minior, NCSC president, taught more than 30 local students about shell habitats, predators, and how to identify common NC shells. The interactive experience also included a discussion of the scotch bonnet, NC’s state shell. Each student goodie bag included a sanddollar, scotch bonnet and wristband to visit the exhibit hall.

Ribbon Cutting

The 2025 NC Shell Show began with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The North Carolina Shell Club welcomed special guests, Dr. Tracy Mancini, Carteret County Community College President and Ms. Erin Knight, Carteret County Chamber of Commerce President to join the festivities. Additionally, participants from the first-ever Shell Show student day helped with the signage.

Aquaculture Lab Tour

Earlier this year, the Everett Long/North Carolina Shell Club Scholarship was finalized at the Carteret County Community College (CCCC). It continues the Club’s long tradition of supporting education and will benefit Aquaculture Technology students.

Dr. Tracy Mancini, CCCC President, met NCSC members and two high school students at the Aquaculture Lab on Fri., May 1. She acknowledged and thanked the Club for the scholarship and she facilitated a ‘behind the scenes’ tour of the Lab.

Banquet

The Club inducted three members to Honorary Lifetime Member status at the annual banquet. Ms. Vicky Wall, Mr. John Timmerman and Ms. Nancy Timmerman joined an exclusive group of only 23 previous inductees. This is the highest honor bestowed by the NCSC.