Montagnard, a French word meaning “mountain people,” refers to the indigenous ethnic minority living in the central highlands of Vietnam. These tribes became close allies of American soldiers during the Vietnam War. Montagnards sought asylum in the US decades later, and, over the years, North Carolina became home to the largest Montagnard population outside their homeland.

Once housed in the museum’s lobby case, this exhibit focused on traditional Montagnard culture and featured a selection of textiles, crafts, tools, hunting weapons, and musical instruments, all collected by a Vietnam veteran while in Vietnam.