Greenlawn-Centerport Historical Association announces new Executive Director

The Greenlawn-Centerport Historical Association, a nonprofit organization with a mission to preserve the history of the communities of Greenlawn and Centerport, has announced the selection of Claudia Fortunato-Napolitano as its new Executive Director. 

Ms. Fortunato-Napolitano officially assumed the role on February 6. Deanne Rathke is retiring after having held the position for 20 years. 

“We are very pleased to announce Claudia as the new Director,” reported Deanne. “Its time to pass the job along to the next generation.  Claudia’s skill set will help bring about new members and programs to the organization.  In addition she has a lifelong passion for local history having been born and raised in the Huntington area”

Claudia holds a BA in History, and a MA in Liberal Studies with a concentration in American History, both awarded by Manhattanville College. Previous positions include Executive Director of the Huntington Historical Society and Assistant Historian at the Town Of Huntington.

“I am honored to serve as the Executive Director and thrilled to serve the members of the community,’ remarked Ms. Fortunato-Napolitano. “Deanne is a wonderful role model, and as Director Emeritus she will be a valuable asset for furthering our research, expanding our public programs, educational workshops, and exhibits.”

The mission of the Greenlawn-Centerport Historical Association is to research, collect, record and preserve artifacts, photographs, fine arts, and ephemera of Greenlawn & Centerport. In addition, they promote the preservation of historic structures and maintain a historic Suydam homestead and John Gardiner Farm to provide the public with an opportunity to learn about early life on Long Island.