Institute, or Sevastopol? Renaming the historic hamlet was brought up for discussion via the Town of Sevastopol’s 2026 summer newsletter sent to property owners, and the question has been tabled, for now, according to Town Supervisor Linda Wait.

Over the years, the question has surfaced in many conversations, often when visitors ask, ‘Where is Sevastopol?’. 

Wait, who is also editor of the town newsletter, wrote that local businesses have raised concerns about the lack of recognition for Sevastopol in tourism publications and visitor guides. The response to the newsletter’s article about whether to make the change? People were very interested, Wait said.

Although she said she is not passionate about a name change, Wait inquired about making a small change to potentially help clear up the Institute/Sevastopol confusion.

For now, all signs will remain the same.