For 86 years, The Long Island Museum (LIM) has brought art, history, and so much more to life for generations of residents of the Three Village Central School District. On May 19, 2026, LIM will have a funding proposition included on the District’s School Board and Budget ballot. Although it will appear on the ballot along with the school budget vote, propositions such as this are separate from school taxes.
By voting “YES” on the LIM funding proposition this May, you will help us strengthen our offerings to the students of the Three Village Schools, expand our exhibitions and community programs for residents of all ages, and move forward on a number of exciting projects.
The LIM funding proposition represents a $500,000 total annual tax levy, which breaks down to $34.49 per household, per year, or 9¢ a day per household.
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
6:00 AM–9:00 PM
Ward Melville High School
380 Old Town Road, East Setauket, NY 11733
Residents of the Three Village School District who are registered to vote
What voting “YES” means for YOU!
LIM will proudly provide Three Village School District residents with:
FREE Annual Three Village Resident Pass
LIM has designed an exclusive membership category especially for residents of the Three Village community. This Resident Pass will provide you with unlimited FREE access to our engaging exhibitions, special members-only discounts on many of our compelling lectures, programs, entertaining concerts, events, gift shop merchandise, and more!
FREE Field Trips for All 2nd Grade Classes
The annual second-grade trip is a rite of passage for children in our community, and we will be thrilled to offer it FREE to all district students. District classes will be given priority scheduling options, and pre-registration will be required. Bus/transportation fee not included.
Student Art Shows and Performances @ LIM
We look forward to the possibility of hosting student art shows, along with student musical and theatrical performances at little or no cost to the District!
Exclusive Access to LIM’s Beautiful Grounds for Photo Shoots
Families, newlyweds, and the newly engaged have long flocked to LIM to take photos on our beautiful grounds. We will offer site fees at a deeply discounted rate, and in the case of prom photos, FREE of charge. Subject to availability and insurance requirements for professional photographers.
Discounted Facility Rental Pricing
LIM’s event spaces are in high demand, and we will be proud to offer residents a special discounted rate. Subject to availability and insurance requirements.
FREE Community Open House Events
These free events for our community will feature special programming such as highlight tours of exhibitions, hands-on art-making, and unique performances.
Expanded Operating Hours
This funding will allow us to expand our public visiting hours, giving our community more time to enjoy our exhibitions.
Enhanced Home Property Values
A FREE built-in museum membership for residents, coupled with a robust calendar of local cultural offerings, has proven to be a strong incentive for today’s homebuyers.
LIM looks forward to assessing District and Community priorities on a regular basis and reserves the right to make changes to the benefits provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the vote?
- Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2026
- Time: 6 AM- 9 PM
- Location: Ward Melville High School, 380 Old Town Road, East Setauket, NY 11733
Am I eligible to vote?
To be eligible to vote a person must be at least 18 years of age, be a resident of the school district for at least 30 days prior to May 19, 2026, be a citizen of the United States, and be a registered voter with the Suffolk County Board of Elections. Additional information, including how to register and how to request an absentee ballot, can be found on the Three Village Central School District website at https://tinyurl.com/w5cyxew5
What is this proposition?
This proposition asks voters in the Three Village Central School District to decide whether to approve annual public funding for The Long Island Museum.
How much will this cost taxpayers?
The estimated cost is $34.49 per household, per year, or 9¢ a day.
Why is LIM seeking public funding?
Public funding will help ensure that our programs and services remain accessible, stable, and affordable for all residents—now and for generations to come.
Our mission is to inspire and engage people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities by connecting them with the region’s art and history, our world-class carriage collection, and dynamic programs that foster a creative, inclusive community.
This funding will allow us not only to sustain these offerings but to grow and expand them to meet the evolving needs of our community.
Why is LIM Seeking Public Funding Now?
We recognize that many in our community are feeling the strain of today’s challenging economy, and it’s fair to ask why the LIM is seeking public funding now.
For 86 years, LIM has remained a strong and vital part of the Three Village community by relying on a diverse mix of support—memberships, grants, corporate partnerships, and events like our annual Winter Gala. Since 2020, however, museums and nonprofits nationwide have faced increased financial uncertainty, including shifts in federal funding and declines in charitable giving.
To sustain and strengthen the programs and services our community relies on, it is increasingly important to further diversify our funding. With your support, LIM can continue to serve and enrich our community—now and for generations to come.
Is this a new school tax?
No. Although our funding proposition will appear on the ballot along with the school budget vote, propositions such as this are separate from school taxes. The school budget ballot is the only method available to us by which we may seek public funding.
How does supporting the LIM benefit local students?
Students in the Three Village Central School District benefit from our curriculum-based programs in art, history, and STEAM that foster critical thinking and inquiry-based learning. They gain hands-on access to primary sources, original works of art, and, through this funding, will do so via reduced or subsidized field trips.
The LIM is also proud to partner with the District to host the annual Student Art Show this April at no cost – just one example of the meaningful opportunities we provide and will continue to offer in the future.
I don’t have school-aged children. How does this benefit residents like me?
If approved, this proposition will provide new and expanded benefits for residents of all ages across the Three Village community. A Residents Pass will offer free admission to the LIM’s world-class exhibitions, along with discounts on programs, events, gift shop purchases, and facility rentals. This special membership category is comparable to our Family Membership, which costs $95 per family per year.
Beyond these direct benefits, having a premier cultural destination in your community offers convenient, enriching experiences close to home—and can enhance neighborhood appeal and property values over time.
How would these funds be used?
Funds from this proposition would support educational programs and school partnerships, teaching and visitor services staff, general operating costs, collections care and exhibitions, and the maintenance and improvement of our site. We would also be able to expand LIM’s operating hours to better serve the needs of the community.
Who is responsible for oversight and accountability at LIM?
For 86 years, LIM has built a strong reputation for fiscal responsibility. We will steward these funds with the same care and transparency our community has long trusted. The Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization led by a professional staff and governed by a Board of Trustees. The Board and management fulfill their respective oversight and operational responsibilities with the highest standards of care and integrity. LIM engages Baker Tilly, a widely known and trusted public accounting firm, with expertise in the nonprofit sector, to perform annual financial statement audits and tax preparation.
What happens if the proposition is not approved?
If the proposition fails, the Museum will not receive this public funding. Programs and services may need to be reduced or cut, and the proposed benefits to the community and School District will not go into effect.
Have more questions?
Contact Ellen Linnemann at (631) 751-0066 x248 or elinnemann@longislandmuseum.org to learn more!
