Sag Harbor, NY – Assemblymember Tommy John Schiavoni announced today that he has successfully secured New York State Capital funding to rehabilitate and restore the historic Windmill located on the Stony Brook Southampton campus. Constructed in 1714, the Windmill has been at its current location in Shinnecock Hills since 1888, when it was preserved from destruction by Janet Hoyt, the wife of William Hoyt, builder of the Shinnecock Inn. Janet Hoyt, along with Samuel Parrish, founded the Summer School of Art, establishing the Windmill as a cornerstone of the local arts and cultural community. It is the only windmill of three originally in Southampton Village that has survived and has stood at its current location for 136 years.

In the summer of 1957, celebrated playwright Tennessee Williams resided in the Windmill while writing The Day on Which a Man Dies, inspired by the death of his friend Jackson Pollock. In 2013, the Library Association of America officially recognized the Windmill at its current location as a literary landmark.

When Long Island University established Southampton College in 1963, the Windmill became the emblem of the new campus, a beloved symbol to thousands of students, faculty, and administrators. The college newspaper was aptly named The Windmill, and the structure has appeared on sports uniforms, yearbooks, apparel, and memorabilia.

Stony Brook University acquired the campus in 2006, continuing its commitment to providing quality education on eastern Long Island. In 2009, Stony Brook led efforts to rehabilitate the Windmill, which, along with the adjacent water view quad, has hosted countless events, readings, receptions, orientations, celebrations, workshops, and fundraising dinners. The annual Windmill Lighting during the holiday season became a cherished East End tradition.

“The Windmill at Stony Brook Southampton is more than a historic structure. It is a symbol of community, culture, and the enduring legacy of education on the East End,” said Assemblymember Schiavoni. “This funding will ensure that the Windmill is preserved for future generations while continuing to serve as a hub for campus life and community events.”

Former Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. stated, "I am pleased that the new leadership at Stony Brook University recognizes the potential of the Southampton campus and continues to take steps to restore its critical infrastructure. The Windmill has been the iconic symbol for the Campus for decades and is beloved by the college alumni and all those connected with Southampton College and Stony Brook University. The restoration of the Windmill is a critical first step towards realizing the campus's real value to the community. I am pleased that work continues on the completion of a long-term action plan for Southampton and that other projects such as dredging, housing, and a new hospital continue to move forward. My thanks to the University and Assemblyman Tommy John Schiavoni for continuing to move this work forward."

“I wish to commend Assemblyman Schiavoni for working tirelessly and successfully to secure the funds necessary to rehabilitate the Windmill at the Stony Brook Southampton Campus,” stated former Congressman and former Southampton College Provost Tim Bishop. “The Windmill is a beloved symbol of Southampton College, and its rehabilitation will be welcomed by the College’s 7500 plus graduates.”

"I am grateful to NY State Assemblyman Tommy John Schiavoni and the State University of NY for supporting the restoration of the iconic windmill that has stood at the highest point of the Southampton institution for decades. Now, as Stony Brook Southampton, the campus continues to be a destination for higher learning in science and the arts attracting talent from around the globe. On a personal note, I reflect on the windmill's presence, when as a young child I would visit my father, Professor Ral Welker, and walk around the hills of the campus. I look forward to the next generation of faculty members whose families will traverse these same steps and look up at the campus windmill," stated Suffolk County Legislator Ann Welker of the 2^nd District.

“The Windmill is the historic symbol of the Stony Brook Southampton Campus, and it has been the University’s priority in working with the local community to ensure it remains on the campus for future generations,” said VP of Strategic Initiatives and Executive Director of SB-Southampton, Wendy Pearson. “Stony Brook is committing nearly $3 million to rehabilitate the Windmill, and we are deeply appreciative to Assemblyman Schiavoni and former-Assemblyman Thiele for securing the grants needed to ensure we have the remaining funds for this project.”

The rehabilitation and restoration project will focus on preserving the Windmill's historic integrity while making it safe and accessible for public and campus use. Assemblyman Schiavoni emphasized that the project represents a shared effort to maintain the region's rich history and support the cultural and educational mission of Stony Brook Southampton.