No Halo News · Sourced development
Former employees and board members alleged mismanagement at Young-Morse Historic Site; its leader disputed their claims
The Times Union reported that former employees and board members accused the nonprofit operating Locust Grove Historic Site of mismanagement and excessive concentration of authority. The report cited staff departures, layoffs, a smaller board and delinquent filings. A New York attorney general's office spokesperson confirmed that the organization was delinquent in its filings. Board president Janna Whearty, who is also serving as interim executive director, disputed the broader accusations and said the organization is addressing inherited recordkeeping and planning problems.
Status matters. This page records a sourced development, not a completed No Halo investigation. An allegation is not a finding. Dismissals, settlements, judgments, corrections and final outcomes remain distinct.
Donor relevance
Why this matters
The dual leadership role, reduced board membership and delinquent filings raise donor-relevant questions about independent oversight, compliance and the stewardship of a historic property and endowment.
Attribution
Who reported or established this
The mismanagement claims were made by former employees and former board members and reported by the Times Union. A spokesperson for the New York attorney general's office confirmed the filing delinquency.
Evidence limits
What remains unverified
No Halo has not established that leadership committed mismanagement, theft, harassment or self-dealing. No Halo also has not independently determined the amount or status of any tax warrants, the reasons for every staff or board departure, or whether the dual leadership role violated governing documents.
Right of reply
Organization response
Whearty disputed the allegations, described much of the criticism as speculative, and said the dual role is temporary. She said the organization is working toward filing compliance, scrutinizing expenses and correcting problems attributed to earlier leadership. She also reported expanded or rebranded programming, four additional major events, 12 October weddings and completed visitor-center roof and HVAC projects.
Classification
How No Halo records this event
Event type: Allegation. Current state: Reported. No Halo preserves the current procedural state rather than treating every mention as a finding.
Published October 16, 2026 · Last verified October 20, 2026. See an error or a later outcome? Submit a correction or right of reply.