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NEW SEASON

New Exhibition

February 26th through April 2025

Both/And: An Exploration of the Identities of being Black and a Woman in the United States

For Group Tours EmaiL:
JElliott@saamuseum.org | info@saamuseum.org
631-353-3299

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

Both/And: An Exploration of the Identities of being Black and a Woman in the United States.

February 26th - April 2025

Featured Artists include :

The Black Girl Magic Organization from Southampton High School
Linda Mickens
Dr. Nichelle Rivers
Brenda Simmons

With special contributions made by
Dr. Georgette Grier-Key
Frank Bold

UPCOMING EVENTS in Southampton African American Museum

May 17 - July 7

Courtney Minor

Doors Into My Life

June 14th

12Pm to 5pm

Annual Juneteenth Celebration

Special guest: Antoine Hilton, award winning national recording artist, singer, song writer, producer

Interview Guest – Joe Laura

WLIW

JazzBlues

Certain Moves band

Juneteenth BBQ + Self Guided Tour

July 18-19

Art&Soul Hampton

In collaboration with Southampton Arts Center

Friday, July 18

Movie screening, food and music

Screening Nat Geo film Idris Elba is narrating and executive producing the National Geographic series “The Color of Victory: Heroes of WW2”. The new series is about people of color who fought during World War Two. Followed by a “Talk Back” – Emmy Award Producer Sean Johnson.

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.

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.

July 20

July Annual Fundraising Event

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

PHONE
631.353.3299

EMAIL
info@saamuseum.org

HOURS
FRI-SUN 11AM to 3PM
By Appointment Only

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Funded by the Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Planning