Exhibits

 

Step into the stories of Native communities at the Museum of the Southeast American Indian. Explore everything from ancient artifacts to modern art. Each exhibit honors the culture, strength and lasting impact of Indigenous peoples. Learn more and visit us today. 

 

An art exhibit on display at the museum

Upcoming Exhibition
9/9 Native South Community Art Show

The countdown is on—art submissions open August 11 and close August 22, so now’s the time to prepare your best work for consideration!

Cash Prizes: 1st place - $3,000; 2nd place - $3,000, 3rd place - $1,000

Submission Guidelines

  • Dates: August 11–22, 2025

  • In-Person Submissions: Drop off at the Museum of the Southeast American Indian, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

  • By Mail: Shipped artwork must arrive by August 22. Return shipping will be covered by the museum; however, shipping to the museum is at the artist’s expense.

Please Note:
This is a museum exhibition. Selected works must remain on display through February 2026. Art may not be removed or replaced during the exhibit. Please only submit work you’re willing to leave for the duration.

Have questions or need assistance? We’re here to help—reach out to the museum staff anytime at msai@uncp.edu or 910.521.6282.

Submission Form

Opening Reception: Tuesday, September 9, 2025 - 6:30 p.m.

Flyer for the 9/9 Native South Art Show

 

alt text

Featured Exhibition
Gene Locklear: From the Pitcher's Mound to the Easel

Gene Locklear—Lumbee artist, former Major League Baseball player, and Pembroke native—is the inaugural Lloyd Oxendine Artist-in-Residence. His vibrant and emotional works span realism to abstract, capturing Native life, heritage, and the evolving spirit of the Lumbee people. From striking portraits of Henry Berry Lowrie to sweeping tobacco field landscapes, Locklear’s art is a tribute to identity, resilience, and storytelling through color and form.

On Display from March 18 - August, 2025

Gene Lockear stands before two of his paintings.

 

Permanent ExhibitS 

Battle of Hayes Pond: Routing of the KKK

Relive the Lumbee Tribe’s historic stand against the Ku Klux Klan in 1958. This exhibit shares the events of the Battle of Hayes Pond. Experience how local American Indians courageously defended their community and captured national attention. Learn how this powerful moment shaped both local identity and the broader civil rights narrative
Experience the Battle
An NC Historical roadsign reads "Battle of Hayes Pond"

Historic Dugout Canoe

Marvel at a 1,100-year-old dugout canoe, an enduring symbol of early Indigenous ingenuity. Expertly crafted from yellow pine using fire and shell tools, this 16.5-foot vessel showcases the resourcefulness and artistry of its makers. Discovered by Paul Valenti beneath the McNeil Bridge in Lumberton, NC, in 1984, the canoe dates to around 930 A.D.

Today, it stands as a striking centerpiece of the museum’s permanent exhibit, offering a profound link between past and present.
A photo taken in 1984 shows divers removing a 1,100-year-old canoe from the Lumber River

Pinecone Patchwork Quilt

The Lumbee pinecone patchwork quilt is a symbol of unity, storytelling and cultural survival. Discover the meaning behind its patterns and the traditions that have passed from generation to generation in Robeson County.
Study the Quilt
A lumbee quilt on display

Leaving Home, Building Community

Discover Leaving Home, Building Community, a digital exhibit about Southeastern Native people in North Carolina’s Triad. Hear their stories. See their photos. Learn how they moved, adapted and built new communities. It’s a story of resilience, migration and connection
Experience the Digital Exhibit
A group of American Indian women smile and pose in their tradtional regalia.

Upcoming Museum Events

Join us for cultural events, exhibit openings and educational programs that spotlight Indigenous traditions and contemporary voices.
More Events

Plan Your Visit

Whether you're booking a group tour, donating to support Indigenous education or looking to connect, we’re here to help.
A group of students on tour

Visit in Person

Stop by anytime or schedule a tour. Admission is always free. Group tours are available for schools, summer camps and families. Learn more about Southeastern Native culture in our exhibits.
A collection of handmade baskets

Give to the Museum

Support the preservation of Native culture and education by giving to the Museum of the Southeast American Indian. Every contribution helps fund exhibitions, programs and outreach that deepen understanding and honor Indigenous heritage.
An image showing displays inside the museum

Contact Us

The Museum of the Southeast American Indian

Old Main 1st Floor
P.O. Box 1510
Pembroke, NC 28372

Hours of Operation: 
Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Phone: 910.521.6282
Email: nativemuseum@uncp.edu