Hard Workin’ Pilgrims

Thousands of men, women and children — of all nationalities and races- propelled Baltimore into the Industrial Age. After the Second World War, there too was a large migration of Lumbee Indians from rural North Carolina to Baltimore City. Like other groups, they came seeking employment in order to improve their quality of life. They settled in Southeastern Baltimore, concentrated in a 64-block inner-city area from Broadway Street to Patterson Park. This became and remains to be the largest Lumbee community outside of tribal territory in existence. With them, they brought their culture and traditions, which they have fiercely maintained over the years. This exhibition and public program recounted some of their little-known history — their legacy — in Baltimore City Industry.

On the occasion of the first day of National Native American Heritage Month in 2011, the public was cordially invited to attend a panel discussion comprised of Lumbee elders, sample traditional Lumbee cuisine, experience the exhibition and bring recognition to the contributions of some of Baltimore’s living legends.

Hear their stories in their words.