Who We Are
Amy Vacchio
For over twenty years, Amy Vacchio has researched the histories of the Martin and Hewlett families and their instrumental roles within the Historic St. George Church. Ms. Vacchio has worked at the Town of Hempstead’s Rock Hall Museum since 1999 and is currently the Museum Director. In addition to leading daily tours, she assists in the creation, and implementation of the museum’s educational program. She is also responsible for maintaining the archives, has participated in several archaeological surveys, develops and designs exhibitions, and provides consultation and support for the development of public programs. She has a B.A. in History from Hofstra University and a M.A. in Art History from Queens College. As a researcher, she continues to expand the historical narrative of Rock Hall, circa 1767. Her most recent article, “Introducing Quokko: An Enslaved Person’s Journey through Revolutionary Times,” was published in the Nassau County Historical Society Journal in 2021 (Vol. 76). Her previous article, “The Banisters and McNeills of Rock Hall Rediscovered,” was published in the same journal in 2019 (74:6-19). A mother of three, she has held several PTA positions at Oceanside schools, including President and Vice President of Fundraising and organized educational programs as Vice President of Cultural Arts. She also serves as a trustee of the Valley Stream Historic Society.
“There is so much history here. Not only of Hempstead and Nassau County, but of the American Revolution and the history of our country. For years I have watched the stones deteriorate and thought if I don’t do something we will lose this important historical and cultural resource.”
Matthew Longo
Matthew received his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University at Stony Brook and is currently completing his Masters of Science in Information and Library Science from the University at Buffalo. He has been instrumental in creating a database of digitized documents and photography at the United Church of Christ in Rockville Centre and Rock Hall Museum in Lawrence. He is currently employed at Rock Hall Museum where he conducts research and digitalization of historic documents. He also works to improve access to the most current medical information to doctors and medical students as a medical librarian at St. Johns Episcopal Hospital.