June 6, 2023
Contact: Town Supervisor’s Office
(631) 283-6055 – joneill@southamptontownny.gov
WHAT: Opening of the new Edith Windsor Heart Project Memorial
WHEN: Monday, June 26 at 12:00 p.m.
WHERE: Front Lawn of Southampton Town Hall, 116 Hampton Road, Southampton, New York
Southampton Town officials announced today they will debut the Edith Windsor Heart Project memorial at Town Hall later this month.
Begun more than a year ago, the project involves the construction of a stone heart-shaped patio on the front lawn of Southampton Town Hall, composed of 261 smaller interlocking hearts, each with a personalized engraving. The platform will be used to conduct civil marriage ceremonies, as well as pay tribute to the pioneer plaintiff and seasonal town resident.
On June 26, 2013, the United States Supreme Court decided 5-4 the case of United States v. Windsor, which overturned Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act. It was considered a major legal victory and first step toward recognizing same-sex marriages nationwide.
Windsor, who passed away in 2017 at age 88, was the lead plaintiff in the case. The Town’s opening of the memorial is planned to coincide with the 10th anniversary of the landmark decision.
Engraved heart stones can still be ordered using the online form
All monies raised will contribute to construction and maintenance of the memorial, with additional funds supporting the Edith Windsor Health Clinic at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital.
For assistance with completing an order, or other inquiries, please contact Supervisor Jay Schneiderman’s office at (631) 283-6055 or email joneill@southamptontownny.gov
