Spring brings big changes to Northport Historical Society, including new directors

A departure from the Northport Historical Society has made room for two appointments at the local museum, shop and research library, with Terry Reid and John Daniello moving into new roles as executive and deputy director, respectively. 

Caitlyn Shea recently bid farewell to her colleagues after two years as the society’s executive director. A local artist and muralist, Shea  joined the Northport Historical Society in March 2022. Through her leadership, the Society expanded its reach to new audiences with programs including a Black History walking tour and Sip and Paint nites, where she showcased her artistic skills by teaching participants how to paint the Eaton’s Neck Lighthouse and the iconic leg lamp made famous in A Christmas Story. 

“I’ve had an amazing experience with fun events and incredible supporters, and I’m so grateful for the dedicated people who surrounded me,” Shea said. “It has been an honor to meet so many residents that are passionate about preserving history. I am excited to still be part of the Northport community and cannot wait to see what the society does next.”

Shea will be returning to Walt Whitman Birthplace, where she will serve executive director (she was formerly creative director).

Stepping in as executive director is Terry Reid, who first began her work at the society in 2003, first as a volunteer, then on the board of trustees as the collection committee chairperson. In the years that followed, Terry was instrumental in preserving, organizing, and digitizing the museum’s collection of over 12,000 artifacts, documents and photographs. As curator, she wrote and mounted numerous exhibits, including the award-winning “Immigrants of Northport and East Northport.” She co-authored the book, Images of America: Northport, and spearheaded the Northport Icon and Century Award programs. 

“I am so excited to bring my years of experience and passion for Northport and East Northport history to the director’s position.” Reid said. “I’m looking forward to working closely with the staff, volunteers, trustees, and the community to further our mission and outreach.”

Reid will step out of her role as curator to take on the executive director position. The society will welcome a new museum curator in early April.

Continuing the line of dedication and commitment to the Northport Historical Society is John Daniello, who  joined the organization in April 2022 as the marketing and membership coordinator. His creative designs successfully boosted public awareness and generated renewed excitement for the museum’s events and membership; his web design expertise ensures regular updates to the society website, social media channels, and the society newsletter, which all serve as a digital historical record of the society’s current accomplishments.

Daniello also overhauled the previous membership program and crafted “The Membership Experience,” featuring new perks for personal and business members. He also curated and designed the society’s inaugural LGBTQ exhibit in 2023, delving into the history of the LGBTQ movement at both national and local levels. Daniello is curating the museum’s 2024 Pride exhibit, set to debut on May 31 after Northport’s second annual Pride flag-raising ceremony.

“Working at the society has been a wonderful experience and I’m grateful to be surrounded by passionate individuals who value history while embracing new perspectives. I feel deeply honored and humbled to have been chosen as deputy director of this remarkable institution, which has been a Northport staple for over six decades. I am fully committed to continuing our exceptional outreach and bringing the community even closer to the society,” Daniello said. 

To keep up-to-date with all things happening at the Northport Historical Society, visit www.northporthistorical.org.