Betty Lewis Cromwell (Shinnecock)

Betty Lewis Cromwell (known also as ‘Smiling Face’ & ‘Miss Bett’) was born on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation on December 10, 1924, and spent her childhood days on the Shinnecock Reservation. She is one of the students who attended the original Shinnecock school. One of the school teachers was Princess Nowedonah, Shinnecock Tribal Historian, who, according to Betty, is “the backbone of my strength.”

Betty became Director of the Shinnecock Community Employment Program and began working in the Shinnecock community center in 1977 (on the site of the old schoolhouse) and has been responsible for placing many tribal members into employment. She was also a former member of the Shinnecock Indian Nation tribal council. and a past present of the Shinnecock Cultural Center & Museum.

“A successful community is when each individual realized love and respect for both the natural life and human life. Then, we will return to the peaceful ways of our ancestors.”

Betty passed away in 2010 at the age of 85.

Text & Image from Shinnecock Indian Powwow Program 1985. Photographer unknown, colorized