The Robeson County Museum was organized in 1986 as the Robeson County Heritage Showcase under the auspices of Robeson County Bicentennial.

The museum is housed in the reconstructed historic Southern Express Building along the banks of the Lumber River. The iron front building was constructed about 1910 across the street from the railroad depot by the late Governor Angus W. McLean in the heart of Lumberton’s business district. In addition to the Southern Express office it housed a restaurant and general store. The building has been called one of Lumberton’s railroad treasures. The railroad industry began to decline with the coming of automotive transportation and in later years the building housed the French-Allen Fuel Company.

The museum highlights interesting events in Robeson County’s history with artifacts from early geological times to the present. Exhibits show the natural resources, transportation, agricultural, commercial, military, social and cultural history of the area. The museum’s goal is to tell the story of the county with permanent and changing exhibits.

The museum’s exhibits includes “It Came in the Mail”, which highlights the rich and diverse history of Robeson County through vintage postcards and letters; “War Bride’s Bedroom” this room is setup to represent a World War II era bedroom featuring a period mahogany bedroom suit, playpen, and accessories. This room also serves as an example of a typical tourist home bedroom.  Robeson County was home to several wonderful tourist homes such as the Burney, Skinner and Flowers Homes.

“Every Day Life in Robeson” features historic photographs, farm equipment, and an old time kitchen; “Robeson County’s Natural Resources” shows off the Lumber River and the mysterious Carolina Bays. Also included are artifacts that have been found in and along the Lumber River.

“Did You Know??” room includes looks Robeson County’s Jewish population; the Robeson County Courthouse; and Pilot Ida Vann Smith. Smith’s love for flight began in her hometown of Lumberton, when as a child her father would take her to watch the planes take off at the airport.  At age 50, her dream of learning to fly came true.  When she had her private pilot's license and instructor rating, Smith founded the Ida Van Smith Flight Club on Long Island, New York.    The flight training club was for minority children to encourage their involvement in aviation and aerospace sciences.