Meet Margo Arceri

Culper Spy Ring Historian Margo Arceri  is a lifelong resident of Strong’s Neck. She developed this unique historical venture in conjunction with the Three Village Historical Society. Margo is deeply involved in preserving and sharing the region’s Revolutionary War history, especially the story of the Culper Spy Ring — the group of local Patriots who helped General George Washington during the American Revolution. 

Although not a formally trained historian, she is widely recognized as a community historian and historical interpreter who brings local Revolutionary War history to life. She is a passionate local history advocate turned entrepreneur, who uses tours, events, storytelling, and community initiatives to keep the legacy of Setauket and the Culper Spy Ring alive and engaging for residents and visitors alike.

Having grown up in Strong’s Neck, she spent time with local historian Kate Wheeler Strong, descendant of the famous Anna Smith Strong of the Culper Spy Ring. Kate, who was also the author of a series of booklets entitled True Tales of the Early Days on Long Island, shared stories from the American Revolution and the Battle of Long Island. Margo was instantly hooked, and thus began her own quest to search the hidden trails of Strong’s Neck and Setauket where the British and Patriots once roamed.

This interest led Margo to get involved with the Three Village Historical Society where she was Vice President, Recording Secretary, and board member, and also served as the committee chairperson for walking tours, as a Young American’s camp director, and as a school program presenter specializing in local history.

Margo served as a historical consultant for books by Author Kerriann Flanagan Brosky, which featured stories about Strong’s Neck, Setauket and the Culper Spy Ring. Margo has volunteered for Brookhaven Town Historian Barbara M. Russell and has received numerous accolades for her community service. She has been recognized for her work as a local historian by former New York State Assemblyman and current Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright, former Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn, and Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich. She was also nominated as Person of the Year by TBR News Media for her work in preserving the history of the Culper Spy Ring. She has been featured prominently in several television programs for her Revolutionary War expertise including The Travel Channel’s AMERICA UNEARTHED: The Spy Who Saved America.

She is an executive producer of the upcoming TV series Redcoats and Petticoats, which highlights local history and the Culper Spy Ring.

She is also the founder of Culper Spy Day in Setauket with annual attendance of over 1000 each year.

As President of the Strong's Neck Civic Association, Margo continues to live along the shoreline of Strong’s Neck where she brings Long Island’s Revolutionary War history to life.