Claudia Fortunato-Napolitano is stepping down as director of the Huntington Historical Society.
She became director in June 2015, but suffered a stroke in January 2017.
On Facebook, she wrote, “It was a very difficult decision for me to step down; but since my stroke, I had been thinking that I needed less stress to get better. It is with a heavy heart that I bid adieu. The HHS has been a part of my life for so many years that it feels like family.”
The Huntington native previously worked at the Museum of the City of New York, the Huntington Chamber of Commerce, the Long Island Children’s Museum and the Huntington Town Historian’s Office, among other places.
“Since I became involved, first as a volunteer, later as a staff member in charge of fundraising, and the last three years as Executive Director, I have met many wonderful people along the way who will always remain very special to me. I leave knowing the Society is in a good order. I am especially proud to have taken the “Wine under the Stars” event from a casual get-together to the major fundraiser it is today. A big Thank You to Marie Failey for her inspiration and dedicated assistance in those early years. I still get excited attending the lunch and learn series with knowledgeable and entertaining local presenters.
“What does the future hold? For me, I need to focus on my health. I hope to move forward in my ultimate recovery to be the best I can be. The Society will be in a period of transition. I ask all of you that have so graciously volunteered in the past to consider coming forward again. You are the soul of the Society.”
” THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for you prayers, well wishes and support.”
https://huntingtonnow.com/2018/06/23/nathan-hale-lives-on-in-new-li-film/