The Long Beach Historical Museum has been a staple of the city for 25 years but now may be forced to close.

The museum tells the story of the community by the sea that was founded in the early 1900s.

"Our reason for being is to educate and that is our mission - to educate and preserve the history of Long Beach," says Karen Alamo, co-president of the Long Beach Historical and Preservation Society.

Members of the Long Beach Historical and Preservation Society board say the museum is on the brink of closing its doors due to financial problems.

"This is really devastating - we're very worried about losing the museum," says board member Sue Friedman. "It would be heartbreaking to the community."

For three years, the museum was forced to cancel its main fundraiser, an arts and crafts fair on the boardwalk. The result is $230,000 in lost revenue to pay the museum's mortgage and maintenance bills.

Co-president of the board Jeanne Browne says COVID-19 and the construction on the boardwalk have caused the issues they are dealing with now.

Nassau Legislator Denise Ford is working on securing $15,000 in grant money for the museum.

"For me, I think the museum is very important, and I'm working with the county, especially the parks commissioner to find the funding," Ford says.

Board members are also planning a garage sale and centennial gala to raise funds to keep the museum open.

The board has also set up a GoFundMe for the fundraising efforts.