irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2024
What they reported doing
- #1 primary $1.54MVISITORS SERVICES PROGRAM: SEE SCHEDULE O.
- #2 $749KEXHIBITS PROGRAM: SEE SCHEDULE O.
named programs · 4 · from sources
What they call their work
Exhibits Program
Interactive, rotating exhibits such as "Inside Out," "Dinosaurs: Fossils Exposed," and "Saltwater Stories" that engage children in emotional, scientific, and cultural learning
Land Acknowledgment Initiative
Ongoing educational and community engagement project developed with Shinnecock Nation artists and Humanities NY, including festivals and interpretive experiences about Indigenous history and stewardship
Sensory-Friendly Performances
Monthly theater events designed for children with sensory sensitivities, part of a decade-long inclusive programming effort
Theater Program
Educational and sensory-friendly performances including "Musical Explorers!" and "Unbox a Saurus for Us," often in partnership with Jazz at Lincoln Center and other arts groups
activities · 7 groups
What they do
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Organizational DEI Capacity Building 1 activity
- Advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion in internal operationsTrains staff in diversity, equity, access, and inclusion (DEAI) principles and reviews internal policies to promote a diverse workforce across all levels of responsibility and leadership. Creates an environment that welcomes people of diverse backgrounds as visitors, staff, volunteers, and board members.
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Community-Engaged Public Art Projects 1 activity
- Creating public art and collaborative mural projectsUnveiled the 1,100 sq. ft. exterior mural "Kaleidoscope of Imagination" on May 10, 2024, incorporating handprints from visitors and community members. The project was funded by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Robert & Toni Bader Charitable Foundation.
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Early Childhood Education & Development Programs 1 activity
- Delivering early childhood enrichment and kindergarten readiness programsOffers affordable early childhood programs such as the Little Learners Art Lab and multilingual resources to support dual language learners preparing for or enrolled in kindergarten. Provides comprehensive kindergarten readiness initiatives integrating art, culture, and science education.
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Storytelling and Literacy Resource Development 1 activity
- Developing and sharing educational toolkits for early learning organizationsCreated a toolkit based on the Together to Kindergarten program to support other organizations in serving dual language learners preparing for kindergarten.
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Children's Themed Birthday Parties 1 activity
- Providing birthday party and group event servicesHosts staff-supported birthday parties for children, offering organized activities and access to exhibits in a structured, engaging environment.
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Sensory-Inclusive Programming and Support 1 activity
- Providing inclusive programming for neurodiverse and disabled children and familiesHosts sensory-friendly programs including annual Sensory Sensitive Theater performances and monthly Friendly Hours with adjusted lighting and sound. Maintains a dedicated Sensory Room and provides sensory support tools such as noise-reducing headphones, fidget items, and printed PCS cards. Offers wheelchair access throughout the facility and one complimentary admission for licensed care providers assisting visitors with disabilities.
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Uncategorized 2 activities
- Hosting community events and cultural programming centered on Indigenous cultures and land stewardshipHosts exhibitions, workshops, and festivals that engage with Indigenous art, storytelling, and land-based practices, including the 2022 exhibition Toyuskanash: Bridges featuring Shinnecock Nation artists and the 2023 Stories from the Land Festival with native gardening, natural dye workshops, and storytelling by Denise Silva-Dennis of the Shinnecock Nation. Recognizes the Meroke (Merrick) Nation as the original inhabitants of the land.
- Operating interactive exhibits and daily educational activities for childrenOperates 14 interactive exhibit galleries, live theater, art spaces, and daily hands-on activities focused on science, culture, and emotional development, including rotating special exhibitions such as 'Dinosaurs: Fossils Exposed' and 'Inside Out' by Disney/Pixar. The museum's permanent facility spans 40,000 square feet and includes four learning studios and a 140-seat theater.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$6.47M
Contributions & grants$3.09M48%
Program service revenue$2.99M46%
Investment income$163K3%
Other revenue$226K
expenses
Total expenses$5.98M
Program expenses80%
Admin / overhead10%
Fundraising10%
Salaries & benefits$4.20M
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$5.04M
Cash$502K
Investments$2.60M
Liabilities$966K
Net assets$4.07M
Liquid reserves6.2 mo
6 years on record · 2019–2024 · YoY revenue -9.6%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 4
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ERIKA SUSAN FLORESKA | PRESIDENT | 35 | $203K |
| DENISE LEWIS | DIRECTOR OF FINANCE | 35 | $158K |
| NYREKIA WHITE | DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT | 35 | $145K |
| AIMEE TERZULLI | VP PROGRAMMING AND VISITOR EXPERIENCE | 35 | $144K |
board members · 19
- ADRIENNE ROBB-FUND — SECRETARY
- ALEXANDER BERGER — TRUSTEE
- ALEXANDRA MARINO — TRUSTEE
- BERNADINE WALLER — TRUSTEE
- GLENN TYRANSKI — TREASURER
- JASON HIRSCHHORN — TRUSTEE
- JONATHAN NUS — TRUSTEE
- KEVIN MURPHY — TRUSTEE
- LISA WARREN — TRUSTEE
- LYNNE D'AGOSTINO — TRUSTEE
- MICHAEL PRESTI — TRUSTEE
- NICK MATHER — TRUSTEE
- PETER SCHAPERO — VICE-CHAIR
- RICHARD FERRUCCI II — TRUSTEE
- ROBERT S LEMLE — TRUSTEE
- RONI KOHEN-LEMLE — TRUSTEE
- SCOTT BURMAN — CHAIRPERSON
- STEVEN DUBB — TRUSTEE
- STEVEN MARKOWITZ — TRUSTEE
relationships · 40
Who they work with
- American Alliance of Museums Government — Accredited LICM in 2021 and awarded it the Excellence in Exhibition award in 2016.
- American Alliance of Museums Government — Accrediting body that awarded LICM national accreditation in 2021.
- Angela and Scott Jaggar Foundation Funder — Provided support for the development of toolkits for dual language learners and their families.
- Association of Children’s Museums Network — Awarded LICM the Promising Practices award in 2008 for its "Our Backyard" exhibition.
- Bank of America Charitable Foundation Partner — Recognized LICM with the Neighborhood Builders Award in 2010 and 2025.
- Board of Cooperative Educational Services of Nassau County (BOCES) Partner — Awarded LICM the Education Partner award in 2020.
- CBIZ Government — Sponsors the CBIZ Workplace Challenge, with LICM as a named beneficiary.
- Dependable Glass & Mirror Corp. Funder — Corporate underwriter of the LICM4all program
- Dr. Eye See, LLC Funder — Corporate underwriter of the LICM4all program
- Frank J. Antun Foundation Funder — Foundation supporting the LICM4all program
- Frederic R. Coudert Foundation Funder — Foundation supporting the LICM4all program
- Friends of the Hempstead Plains Partner — Partnered with Doug Schmid from Friends of the Hempstead Plains to lead native planting activities with families during the Stories from the Land Festival.
- Gardiner Foundation Funder — Provides financial support for the Saltwater Stories exhibit.
- Humanities NY Funder — Provided multiple grants supporting the development of the land acknowledgment statement, public conversations, and family-focused interpretive experiences.
- Institute of Museum and Library Services Government — Provider of critical initial funding for the LICM4all program
- International Union of Operating Engineers - Local #94 Funder — Union underwriter of the LICM4all program
- Janice Michelle Foundation, Inc. Funder — Foundation underwriter of the LICM4all program
- Jazz at Lincoln Center Partner — Collaborates on musical performances and educational programs, including Webop Family Jazz Party and MLK weekend events.
- LICM4All Partner — Collaborative program participant serving families, including those with children who have special needs.
- Laura J. Niles Foundation Funder — Foundation supporting the LICM4all program
- Long Island Children's Museum Network — Member organization promoting inclusive, play-based learning environments.
- Ma's House Partner — Held public conversations about land acknowledgment at Ma's House, an art space on the Shinnecock Reservation run by Jeremy Dennis.
- Nassau County Government — Partnered with LICM to relocate the museum to Museum Row at Mitchel Field.
- National Endowment for the Arts Funder — Provided grant funding for the "Community Voices Take Shape" project that supported the creation of the exterior mural.
- New York State Council on the Arts Funder — Foundation supporting the LICM4all program
- New York State Council on the Arts Government — Designated LICM as a "Primary Institution" vital to the cultural life of New York State.
- New York State Council on the Arts Government — Designated LICM as a Primary Institution in recognition of excellence.
- North Shore Animal League America Partner — Co-hosts the Mutt-i-grees Family Social program focused on animal welfare and kindness education.
- Northville Industries Funder — Corporate supporter of the LICM4all program
- Robert & Toni Bader Charitable Foundation Funder — Provided additional support for the "Community Voices Take Shape" mural project.
+ 10 more
strategies · 3
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Inclusive Co-Design with Communitiesmethodology: community-participatory_designBy collaboratively designing programs and inclusion initiatives (e.g., LICM4all) with community partners, advisory committees, and stakeholders—especially those representing marginalized groups—the museum builds trust, ensures cultural and accessibility relevance, and increases engagement, because inclusive design processes produce more equitable and effective outcomes.
- Intergenerational and Social Skill Development Through Shared Environmentsmethodology: play-based_social_learningBy designing interdisciplinary, age-appropriate exhibit spaces that encourage cooperative learning among children and caregivers, and by modeling positive behaviors and shared use of materials, the museum supports social development and peer relationships, because shared physical and emotional experiences in safe settings build foundational social competencies.
- Learning Through Playmethodology: play-based_learningBy engaging children in interactive, hands-on, and self-directed play experiences across arts, science, and social contexts, the museum fosters creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, and lifelong learning, because play activates intrinsic motivation and experiential understanding in developmental years.