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Current exhibitions in Southampton African American Museum
UPSTAIRS
DOWNSTAIRS
BOTH/AND: AN EXPLORATION OF THE IDENTITIES OF BEING BLACK AND A WOMAN IN THE UNITED STATES
DIGITAL TAPESTRY
AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE
in Southampton African American Museum
May 17 - July 7
Courtney Minor
Doors Into My Life
UPCOMING EVENTS in Southampton African American Museum
July 18-19
Art&Soul Hampton
In collaboration with Southampton Arts Center
Friday, July 18
6:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Movie screening, food and music
Film Talkback with Film Executive Producer Sean David Johnson. Moderated by Brenda Simmons.
Archival footage and dramatizations uncover the legacies of soldiers of color during World War II, by shedding light on the contributions of over 8 million individuals who fought for the Allied forces, yet whose stories have largely gone untold.
From executive producer Idris Elba, Erased – WW2’s Heroes of Color reveals the heroic stories of people of color whitewashed from the greatest conflict in history.
Saturday, July 19
ART & SOUL: Hamptons - ART WALK
Location: Southampton, NY
Join us for Art & Soul: Hamptons, a vibrant day-long celebration of Black art, culture, and community in the heart of the Hamptons. Hosted in collaboration with the Southampton African American Museum, the Southampton Arts Center, and Hidden Gem NY, this immersive experience brings together local artistry, cultural storytelling, and summer elegance—all in one unforgettable day.
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM | Art Walk
Explore three cultural landmarks in Southampton:
• Southampton African American Museum – 245 North Sea Rd
• Southampton Arts Center – 25 Jobs Lane
• Hidden Gem NY – 47 Jobs Lane, Suite B
A guided experience showcasing local art, history, and creative spaces.
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Opening Art Exhibition Reception
Featuring acclaimed artist Shaunte’ Lewis – Award Winning Multidisciplinary Artist
Location: Southampton African American Museum
Celebrate the opening of this powerful exhibition with live art, music, and community connection.
10:00 PM – 11:30 PM | Closing Night Party
Wind down the day with a joyful evening on the SAAM Lawn, with music, dancing, and celebration under the stars.
SPECIAL LIVE PERFORMANCE featuring YACOUBA SISSOKO, Master kora player and SIYA African Band
Carribean cocktails sponsored by the NEW ENGLAND SWEETWATER FARM & DISTILLARY.
Afretparty with music vibes by DJ Infmatick.
Art & Soul: Hamptons is proudly supported by Suffolk County Economic Development and the participating cultural partners.
Don’t miss this inspiring day of art, culture, and community spirit!
SHAUNT’E LEWIS is an illustrator, designer, and fiber artist based in Indianapolis, known for her bold, vibrant, and inspiring creations. Through her artistic practice, Shaunt’e Lewis Art (SLA Studio), she brings visions to life with a unique blend of illustration, fiber art, and commercial design, offering services ranging from digital designs to murals and custom-made art pieces. Her work often features powerful female representation, clean lines, and dynamic use of color, aiming to empower and inspire.
In addition to her illustration and design work, Shaunt’e is a passionate fiber artist, creating intricate punch needle artworks that add a tactile, dimensional element to her artistic portfolio. This craft has led to exciting projects, including a recent commission to produce punch needle pieces for St. Vincent Women’s Hospital.
Shaunt’e’s artistic journey began in childhood but was briefly paused during a successful 15-year career as a hairstylist. In 2020, the pandemic reignited her passion for art, leading to a full-time transition into the art world in 2021. Since then, she has reached significant milestones, such as being featured on the cover of the New York Times art section, painting live at the Indy 500, and collaborating with major brands like West Elm, Makers Mark, Cricket Wireless, and the Pacers. Her work has also been featured in Complex Magazine and various local and national publications.
In 2024, Shaunt’e was honored with the Breakthrough Women Award from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Indianapolis Chapter, for her contributions to Arts and Culture. This recognition reflects her dedication to using art as a means to uplift and empower others.
ARTIST OPENING RECEPTION at the Southampton African American Museum, celebrating artist in residency SHAUNT'E LEWIS
Saturday evening July 19,2025
Originally from Springfield, Massachusetts, Shaunt’e relocated to Indiana in 2011 and has since built strong connections within the community, including collaborations with Visit Indy and the Indy Chamber. As a multidisciplinary artist with background in entrepreneurship and a deep passion for both illustration and fiber art, Shaunt’e continues to expand her creative horizons while inspiring and engaging audiences through her diverse and empowering works.
SPECIAL LIVE PERFORMANCE featuring YACOUBA SISSOKO, Master kora player and SIYA African Band
He devotes his musical gift to expand the awareness of West African history and culture, spread the word of peace, and empower his listeners to take charge and realize their imagined futures. His performances have a magical effect on audiences as he skillfully transforms traditional songs and stories that he learned from his forefathers into modern day messages of peace, love, and harmony. Yacouba exposes new audiences to the enchanting sounds of the kora—a 21-stringed instrument that is plucked and produces a distinctive sound that is quickly associated with West Africa.
FIRESIDE CHAT with Shaunt’e Lewis, moderated by Brenda Simmons.
or
buy SAAM package
on our website
July 20
🥂✨ Join us for an unforgettable Champagne Brunch in support of the Southampton African American Museum, presented together with Art & Soul Hamptons!
🗓 Sunday, July 20, 2025
🕚 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Southampton Inn | 91 Hill Street, Southampton, NY
This sophisticated summer gathering will be a vibrant celebration of culture, community, and history — featuring champagne, seasonal bites, and inspiring conversations.
🌟 Event Chair: Jean Shafiroff – Philanthropist
🌟 Special Guest: Novi Brown – Award-winning Actress (SISTAS, BET Networks)
🌟 Event Host: Brenda Simmons – Founder & CEO of SAAM
All proceeds support SAAM’s mission to preserve and uplift Black heritage in the Hamptons.
🎟 Early Bird Tickets: $175
(Includes Brunch, Champagne, Mimosas, Libations & Tea)
August
3rd Annual Amistad
Southampton African American Museum 2024 SCHeDULe
January
January 13, 2023
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Opening Reception: SAAM collabs with Bold Art Society to connect high school and proffesional artists for Black History Month
Reception Featuring artist Mayowa Nwadike and Students from The Bold Society organization
Executive Director: Frank Bold www.boldartsociety.org
January 20, 2023
Hamptons Civil Rights Back Story Cell Phone Tour Launch
February
February 7, 2024
Black Joy with Brenda Simmons & Dr. Georgette Grier-Key on Zoom
May
May 25, 2024
5pm to 7pm
Opening Reception
Mayowa Nwadike
“What Is, What Was and What Could Be”
Curated by Jomani Danielle
June
June 15, 2024
Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Music by Mali Africa Master Kora player Yacouba Sissoko and his band SIYA Traditional Juneteenth Style BBQ
July
July 20, 2024
Opening Reception
Featuring Artist Alvin Clayton
July 25, 2024
Annual Founders Circle Fundraising
Southampton Inn
$150 general admission
$75 children (under 12)
$300 VIP
5:30 – 6pm VIP Reception
6 – 8pm Event
THE EVERYDAY PEOPLE CORNER
The Everyday People Corner is a monthly series highlighting individual residents of Southampton and the East End, including historical events, personal anecdotes and those kitchen table, barbershop and beauty shop stories. If you know of someone with wonderful memories; if you have a memory, a story about the ’Hood (from Da Hill to Azurest,) or the adventures of growing up on the East End; whether you are 30 generations of the land, migrated here for a new life, or came in the summers…. Let’s praise our everyday lives and everyday people!
Southampton African American Museum MISSION
To promote an understanding and appreciation of African American culture by creating programs that will preserve the past, encourage learning and enhance the life of the community. SAAM will research and collect local history, produce media events, create exhibits and community celebrations.
A BIT OF SAAM HISTORY
The Southampton African American Museum (SAAM) began in 2005 under the name The East End African American Museum and Center for Excellence. Until now, it has functioned as a virtual museum—hosting events and exhibits in public spaces throughout Southampton Village—most notably the Annual Southampton African American Film Festival. Our NEW home for SAAM is located at 245 North Sea Road in Southampton, NY. Affectionally called “The Barbershop," the building was a local gathering place for area African Americans from the 1940s until its closing. In 2010, the Village Historic Preservation Board designated it as the first African American historic landmark in the Village of Southampton, and the process was started to transform it into our permanent space.
TRANSFORMING A LANDMARK
We are so excited to finally have a home for our community and a place to showcase our exhibits and host events. See how 245 North Sea Road has evolved from a gathering place of the past to a destination for the future—step by step!
TREASURE THE PAST: PYRRHUS CONCER
Pyrrhus Concer was born on March 17, 1814 to an enslaved mother, Violet; following her status, he too became the property (whether technically a slave or an indentured servant) of his mother’s owner Captain Nathan Cooper in Southampton. Subsequently, Concer was sold to Mr. Elias Pelletreau II for the sum of $25.00. Five years old at the time of his sale, Concer had no choice regarding his transfer, leaving his mother behind when he was still a young child. Even after slavery ended in 1826, Pyrrhus Concer apparently remained in the Pelletreau household until he was about 26 years old.
SAAM is located at
245 North Sea Road
in Southampton, NY
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