Anita K. Hersh Philanthropic Fund Makes Transformative Gift to Hudson River Museum
Masha Turchinsky assumes the title of Anita K. Hersh Director and CEO; Gift makes weekend admission free for Westchester high school students.
YONKERS, NY, January 29, 2026—The Hudson River Museum (HRM) proudly announces a generous and visionary gift from the Anita K. Hersh Philanthropic Fund, a significant individual multi-year commitment to profoundly shape the Museum’s future and expand access to arts and culture for thousands of young people across Westchester County.
“This gift is catalytic—it strengthens our leadership, deepens our educational impact, and removes barriers to access for the next generation. We could not be more proud of this powerful vote of confidence in our Museum and community, and it is a true honor to carry a title that celebrates Anita’s enduring legacy and generosity,” said Masha Turchinsky, now designated the Anita K. Hersh Director and CEO of the Hudson River Museum, marking the first named role in the HRM’s history. Turchinsky, hired as Director of the HRM in 2016 and promoted to Director and CEO in 2020, is the position’s first incumbent, effective immediately.
In recognition of this major gift:
- Access for Teens: The Fund will sponsor free admission for Westchester County high school students on Saturdays and Sundays starting February 1, 2026 through 2030, ensuring that fees are not a barrier to access the HRM’s collections, exhibitions, and workshops.
- Youth Empowerment: The Anita K. Hersh Philanthropic Fund will contribute as a lead individual sponsor of the HRM’s award-winning Junior Docent Program, joining a dedicated group of supporters of this impactful after-school leadership and youth development program that serves more than 80 students (grades 9–12) from public high schools throughout Yonkers as a model for youth empowerment in museums. The program, now in its 30th year, is a nationally-recognized model for teen leadership. Hallmarks include an extensive College Readiness Series, cultural field trips, and convenings with acclaimed artists, scientists, and representatives of esteemed organizations that include the United Nations and NASA.
Irene Kohn and Jeanne-Marie Champagne, trustees of the Anita K. Hersh Philanthropic Fund, said, “As she was in life, Anita’s generosity was sincere, thoughtful, and transformative. She believed deeply in the power of art and community, and this gift reflects her commitment to access, inclusion, and lasting impact. It honors her belief that strong communities—and the cultural institutions that serve them—make people and places better.”
“We are immensely grateful for Anita’s generosity,” stated Tom D’Auria, Chairman of HRM’s Board of Trustees. “This is an exceptional act of philanthropy that strengthens the Hudson River Museum’s foundation and expands its reach. By supporting leadership, education, and access, this gift, and Anita’s commitment to art, youth, and access will resonate for years to come, inspiring others to invest in the cultural vitality of our Museum and region.”
The Hudson River Museum extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Anita K. Hersh Philanthropic Fund for this visionary commitment, which uplifts our mission and ensures that future generations can experience the life-changing intersection of art, science, and history at the HRM. The Museum’s work is made possible through a combination of government funding, philanthropic support, and earned revenue. This individual philanthropy is a clear and enthusiastic endorsement of the Museum’s staff, Board, and leadership. It comes at a time when collection access, groundbreaking exhibitions and partnerships, and innovative and accessible educational offerings have become the hallmarks of the HRM’s impact.
Images: Left: Anita K. Hersh (1954–2023). Right: Hudson River Museum Junior Docents in 2025. Photo by Jeana Wunderlich.
Press contact:
Jeana Wunderlich
jwunderlich@hrm.org
(914) 963-4550 x240
Samantha Hoover
shoover@hrm.org
(914) 963-4550 x216
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About Anita K. Hersh
Anita K. Hersh (1954–2023) was an inspiring creative leader, philanthropist, and advocate for the arts. The daughter of Holocaust survivors, Anita grew up in Mount Vernon, NY, and graduated from Wesleyan University before embarking on a successful career in brand strategy and marketing, ultimately serving as CEO of Lister Butler Consulting. Her visionary work shaped global brands including Citibank, Fidelity Investments, and J.P. Morgan Chase.
Anita devoted her life to the arts, serving on the Artistic Council of the Park Avenue Armory and avidly supporting arts education initiatives for students. She championed emerging artists and believed deeply in the transformative power of culture. She was renowned for her unwavering work ethic and profound dedication to her friendships. In addition to her enthusiastic support of Hudson River Museum initiatives including the Museum’s Junior Docents, annual Lunar New Year celebration, and the recent acclaimed HRM exhibition, Smoke in Our Hair: Native Memory and Unsettled Time—a New York Times’ Critic’s Pick that will travel the United States beginning 2027—her philanthropic commitments included The Blue Card, honoring her parents’ memory by supporting Holocaust survivors. Anita’s passion, generosity, and belief in access to the arts will continue to inspire generations present and future.
About the Hudson River Museum
The Hudson River Museum is a preeminent, award-winning cultural institution in Westchester County and the New York metropolitan area. Situated on the banks of the Hudson River in Yonkers, New York, the Museum has a mission to engage, inspire, and connect diverse communities through the power of the arts, sciences, and history.
The HRM offers engaging experiences for every age and interest, with an ever-evolving collection of American art and dynamic exhibitions that range from nineteenth-century paintings to contemporary art installations. The campus, which recently expanded to include a West Wing with stunning exhibition galleries and sweeping views of the Hudson River, features Glenview, an 1877 house on the National Register of Historic Places; a state-of-the-art planetarium; an environmental teaching gallery; and an outdoor amphitheater. The Museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving, exhibiting, and interpreting its multidisciplinary offerings, which are complemented by an array of public and educational programs that encourage creative expression, collaboration, and artistic and scientific discovery. The Museum is accredited by the American Association of Museums (AAM), an honor awarded to only 3% of museums nationwide.
Museum Hours: The Hudson River Museum is open to the public Wednesday–Friday, from 12–5pm, and Saturday–Sunday, from 11am–5pm. On Free First Fridays, the Museum is open and free of charge on the first Friday of the month, from 5–8pm. The Museum is accessible by Metro-North (Hudson Line—Yonkers and Glenview stations), by Bee-Line Bus Route #1, by car, and by bike.
General Admission: Adults $15; Youth (3–18) $8; Seniors (65+) $9; Students (with valid ID) $9; Veterans $9; Children (under 3) FREE; Members FREE; Museums for All* $2, *SNAP/EBT card with photo ID (up to 4 people). Planetarium Tickets: Adults $8; Youth (3–18) $6; Seniors (65+) $7; Students (with valid ID) $7; Veterans $7; Children (under 3) Free. Glenview Tours: Adults $8; Youth (3–18) $6; Seniors (65+) $7; Students (with valid ID) $7; Veterans $7; Children (under 3) Free.
