Dear Friends of the HRM,

I’ve always been a reader—novels, graphic novels, magazines, and yes, even picture books—I’m an omnivore when it comes to the medium. Whether it’s a crisp hardcover, a well-worn paperback, or an immersive audiobook, I’m game for any format that tells a compelling story. That’s why I’m especially excited to share the HRM’s newest collection installation, Everything Has a Story. This exhibition offers fresh ways to dive into the rich backstories of works from our collection, paired with striking loans that invite even deeper exploration. It’s an invitation for you to look beyond the surface of an artwork and reflect on the personal, cultural, and historical narratives it carries. You might even find your own story mirrored in the art on view.

Speaking of being game—this photograph from 1898 shows the Yonkers High School baseball team. Tied going into the final championship game against rival New Rochelle, the game was neck-and-neck; Yonkers ultimately prevailed. Can’t you just sense the well-earned swagger and recall a moment in your own life where you earned the joy of victory, big or small? This and other stories await you in our galleries.

Memory in Motion: Smoke in Our Hair
Have you experienced our critically acclaimed exhibition Smoke in Our Hair: Native Memory and Unsettled Time? Don’t let time pass you by. Through powerful contemporary works by Native artists, this exhibition explores memory, identity, and the ongoing resonance of Indigenous histories through work by some of the most exciting artists of our era. It’s a moving, unforgettable experience, and it’s on view through August 31.

A Fashion-Forward Step Into the Gilded Age
I’ll admit it. I like a good fit. For a touch of nineteenth-century glamour, be sure to visit our newly announced HBO’s The Gilded Age costume installation. These stunning, historically inspired garments, worn by Tony Award–winning actress Donna Murphy in the role of Mrs. Astor, bring the era to life in exquisite detail. But hurry—these dazzling designs are only on view through October 5. For the back story on these Emmy Award–winning costumes, I highly recommend Behind the Scenes with HBO’s The Gilded Age Costume Designers.

Live Under the Stars: Amphitheater Season Begins Today
There’s nothing like a live performance, especially in the open air. Our free Summer Amphitheater Series returns tonight, Friday, July 11, at 8pm, with Afro Dominicano. Enjoy dynamic music, dance, and community events on Fridays through August 8 with the breathtaking Hudson River and Palisades as your backdrop. Bring your friends and get ready for fun nights to remember.

Escape the Heat—Explore the Universe
A member recently expressed appreciation to the Museum for bearing in mind that not everyone heads out of town for the season. We are proud to program all summer long. For those who are staying local, I invite you to chill out under the stars in our digital Planetarium, where science meets storytelling in the most spectacular way. Stellar Summer Thursdays, a new series, offers a planetarium show every Thursday at 3:30pm, including The Victorian’s Guide to the Galaxy and We Are Stars. It’s the coolest place in the universe to cool off.

Voted Best—Because of You!
We’re incredibly proud to have been voted Best Art Gallery in the 2025 Best of Westchester Awards—for the eighth year in a row! In good times and challenging ones, we remain committed to providing access to outstanding art, ideas, and cultural experiences that elevate and unite.

Your Story Starts Here
As we celebrate the many stories that unfold within our walls—through art, performance, science, and memory—we never lose sight of the most important one: yours. Every visitor brings something unique to the Hudson River Museum, and we can’t wait to be part of the story you create with us this summer.

In high spirits and high temps,

Masha Turchinsky
Director & CEO

Image: Photographer once known. Yonkers Baseball Team at the Westchester County High School Championship, 1898. Albumen photograph, mounted. Collection of the Hudson River Museum (2015.0.099).