Southampton - This spring, the Shinnecock Nation Cultural Center and Museum invites you to explore a distinctive new exhibit, "It is Good: Contemporary Life in the Shinnecock Community." This vibrant exhibition is the result of a community outreach effort to engage and involve Shinnecock tribal members in the expression of contemporary life and experiences of the Shinnecock people today, addressing memory and history of our tribal community. The exhibit will be on view at the Museum through September 4.

Some of the pieces were donated for the exhibit by members of the Shinnecock Reservation community, to the Museum's collection. From the tribal security uniform to headdresses worn by tribal leaders at the opening of the Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC, each piece speaks of life on the reservation today. The works are accompanied by a description about its use and some historic information. The exhibition is part a yearlong celebration commemorating the Museum's 10th year anniversary in June.

Also on view are the Museum's permanent exhibitions, "A Walk with the People," murals, photo gallery and collections depicting the history of the Shinnecock and other coastal eastern woodland cultures, and "My Spirit Dances Forever," The Frederick DeMatteis Collection of bronze sculptures of Native Americans.

Admission to the Museum is $5 for adults and $3 for children and seniors; it is handicapped accessible and open to the public. The Shinnecock Museum is the only Native-owned and operated museum on Long Island, located on Montauk Highway (Route 27A) and West Gate Road in Southampton, 631-287-4923. Hours are Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday 12 noon to 4 p.m.