Hallockville Museum Farm welcomes new head of operations

The historic Hallockville Museum Farm is entering a new chapter with a change at the top.

The Riverhead institution announced Monday that Marianne Della Croce has been named executive director, beginning this month. She brings nonprofit leadership experience in arts, history, operations, programming, community engagement and organizational development to the 28-acre campus, according to the release.

“I am incredibly excited to join Hallockville at such an important moment in its history,” Ms. Della Croce said. “Hallockville is a truly special place. It preserves an important part of Long Island’s agricultural history while creating opportunities for people today to learn, gather, participate, and connect with the land and with one another. I’m honored to have the opportunity to help build on that legacy.”

Ms. Della Croce joins Hallockville from the Art League of Long Island in Dix Hills, where she oversaw nonprofit operations encompassing visual arts studios, gallery programming, staff and faculty management, community programs, fundraising, and organizational initiatives.

During her tenure, she also led the organization through a flood, coordinating a $500,000 recovery and reconstruction effort while temporarily relocating programs and events off-site. She has also overseen operations for the Smithtown Historical Society, supporting its public programs, educational initiatives, and seasonal events.

As executive director, Ms. Della Croce will lead Hallockville’s operations while working closely with the board of directors, staff, volunteers, members, and community partners.

“I want to begin by listening,” Ms. Della Croce said. “Hallockville has an extraordinary history and a community of people who care deeply about this place. My goal is to build on what is already working, support the people who make Hallockville possible, and look thoughtfully at how we can bring even more people into the Hallockville experience.”

Her appointment comes as Hallockville continues to expand its role as an educational and cultural resource, offering school programs, tours, workshops, agricultural and heritage programming, community events and seasonal festivals — all while continuing preservation and adaptive-reuse projects across its historic campus.

Recent initiatives have included the restoration of Naugles Barn, which the museum celebrated last year.

“Marianne brings a tremendous breadth of nonprofit leadership experience and a deep understanding of what it takes to build strong, sustainable museum organizations,” said board of directors president Dale Moyer. “Her experience managing complex operations, developing programs, engaging communities, and leading teams makes her an excellent fit for Hallockville as we look toward our future.”

Located on Sound Avenue in Riverhead, Hallockville Museum Farm encompasses 28 acres and 19 historic buildings and structures, creating a unique setting where Long Island history, agriculture, education, and community life intersect.

The organization’s mission is to “take Long Island back to its family farming roots and explore their relevance today.”

“I’m particularly excited about the opportunity to connect Hallockville’s history with contemporary Long Island,” Ms. Della Croce added. “There are so many stories here — not only about farming, but about community, resilience, craftsmanship, food, the environment, and the people who have shaped this region. I think those stories have tremendous relevance for people today.”

Ms. Della Croce and her staff will host the Hallockville Country Fair on Oct. 3 and 4, where she said she looks forward to meeting more community members and celebrating the organization’s campus and heritage.

“I have already been so impressed by the warmth, dedication, and enthusiasm of the Hallockville staff,” Della Croce said. “I’m incredibly fortunate to be joining such an amazing team, and I’m looking forward to learning from them and working together to build on all that Hallockville has accomplished.”

For more information, visit Hallockville Museum Farm at hallockville.org or call 631-298-5292.