The Southampton History Museum has filed a lawsuit against the Town of Southampton and several associated parties, alleging violations of constitutional rights.
The complaint accuses the Town of Southampton and other defendants of conspiring to unlawfully seize ownership of Conscience Point, a historic property held by the museum since 1910. It alleges that municipal officials and private actors fabricated ownership records and misused public resources, resulting in alleged violations of due process, equal protection, and takings clauses under federal and state law.
Conscience Point is described in the complaint as an important asset to the museum, with historical significance as the landing site of Southampton’s first English settlers in 1640. The lawsuit alleges that the defendants clouded the museum’s title to the property through administrative manipulation and public misrepresentation, benefitting Conscience Point Shellfish Hatchery (CPSH), which is accused of occupying and profiting from the land without authorization.
The lawsuit further claims that town officials James Burke and William Pell IV supported CPSH’s use of the property while asserting municipal ownership. It also names attorney David Gilmartin Jr. of Greenberg Traurig LLP, who represents CPSH, as having advanced false claims regarding property ownership.
The museum seeks relief, including a declaration quieting title in its favor, an injunction against further interference with its property, damages for constitutional violations, disgorgement of profits obtained by subtenants, and compensation for economic losses.
The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York under Case No. 1:25-cv-05013.