The Westchester Children’s Museum is pleased to announce the addition of Laura Rosenthal of Larchmont as its Director of Development. Rosenthal joins the Museum with nearly ten years of Westchester-based fundraising in her role as the Founder and Co-President of Friends of Larchmont Parks. In this capacity she worked in collaboration with local municipalities on several capital campaigns resulting in improved park spaces and infrastructure for the benefit of the community. Most recently, Rosenthal spearheaded development efforts for the Manhattan-based Netherlands-America Foundation, working to create scholarship, internship, and cultural exchange opportunities.

Rosenthal was drawn to the Museum after having enjoyed the space with her own children over the years. “Raising children in Westchester we’ve been so fortunate to have access to a top-notch center for hands-on play and STEM opportunities located right on the Long Island Sound.” She currently lives in Larchmont with her husband Brian, four children, and two cats.

The Westchester Children’s Museum sought a highly motivated and experienced professional to lead critical fundraising efforts in an exciting growth phase. The Westchester Children’s Museum is actively working on enhancing and increasing its impact on the cultural and educational landscape in the region and in the last two years, has grown to more than 30 full- and part-time employees, more than 100,000 annual visitors—up from 25,000 in 2022—and more than 2,000 members including 20 percent in the category of financial assistance members.

In the last six months, the Museum has opened a major new gallery—the Physics Lab at the Fierstein Family Gallery; conducted its first On the Boardwalk programming in partnership with the County of Westchester during opening weekend of Playland Amusement Park; entered an agreement with The Nicholas Center to open an exhibit of original art created by its participants who are adults with autism; updated and refreshed its beloved Toddler Beach while also putting out an RFP to create a new Early Childhood Exhibit and Play space; and collaborated with the County of Westchester, BOL, CCCNY and WLS to launch the County-wide initiative Disconnect to Reconnect. The Director of Development will be pivotal in driving the Museum’s next phase of growth.