The East Hampton Town Marine Museum on Bluff Road in Amagansett will be closed to the public through the summer as the town and the East Hampton Historical Society plan a comprehensive, multiyear renovation after a burst pipe damaged the building over the winter.
During an exceptionally cold spell, heat was lost in the building and a pipe burst, causing flooding that affected several floors, primarily on the eastern side, according to a statement from Town Hall last week. As the town responded to the damage, it became clear that the building required a more comprehensive approach than short-term repairs.
The museum, originally constructed as Navy barracks during World War II, tells the story of the town’s connection to the sea through exhibitions on fishing, whaling, maritime work, and the role the marine environment has played in the community’s economic, social, and recreational life. The building was later gifted to the town, which partnered with the historical society to transform it into the Marine Museum in 1966. The town owns the museum building and grounds, and the historical society manages the museum’s exhibitions and artifact collections.
The renovation will address the building itself and allow the historical society to update exhibitions inside the museum. Work is expected to include interior renovations, electrical upgrades, removal of affected wiring, asbestos abatement, heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning improvements, a new first-floor Americans With Disabilities Act-compliant bathroom, and flooring work. Planned exterior improvements include shingle work, trim and gutter repairs, storm window work, and access improvements.
Grants, private support, and other funding sources will be pursued, and the historical society expects to undertake a capital campaign to support new museum exhibitions.
