STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Featured in this week’s Staten Island’s Best Dressed are photos from the Staten Island Museum’s 2026 annual gala, held May 7 at Richmond County Country Club in Dongan Hills.

More than 200 guests gathered Thursday evening at the black-tie gala, an event celebrating the museum’s accomplishments over the past year while raising funds to support its mission of art, science and history education.

This year’s “Hollywood Red Carpet”-themed celebration recognized filmmakers Jack Turner and Molly Barton Turner, along with Kills Boro Brewing Company, for their contributions to Staten Island’s vibrant cultural and community life.

Joining the Turners at the gala were their children, Clyde and Sylvie. Last year, Clyde teamed up with friends to create the eight-minute short film Think Twice, while Sylvie appeared in the film as “Princess Lylvie.”

Accepting the honor on behalf of Kills Boro Brewing Company were principals Michael Caridi, Sean Torres and Vincent Lima.

(Courtesy of Bill Higgins)More than 200 supporters gathered May 7, 2026 at the Richmond County Country Club for the Staten Island Museum Gala. Pictured are Dr. Kerry Kelly and Daniel Jost.
(Courtesy of Bill Higgins)(Courtesy of Bill Higgins)

“We are really proud to recognize these extraordinary recipients whose creativity, vision and impact embody the very spirit of the Staten Island Museum,” said Janice Monger, the museum’s president and CEO.

“Their commitment to excellence, intellectual curiosity and positivity reflects the core values that define our institution, and we are privileged to celebrate their achievements at our gala.”

Reflecting on the museum’s legacy, Monger noted that the institution has been preserving Staten Island’s history, art and natural science collections since 1881, with holdings that extend far beyond the borough.

“Since 1881, the Staten Island Museum has stewarded Staten Island’s history, art and natural sciences with collections spanning the globe,” Monger said.

“The Staten Island Museum is very much for our borough yet is also inextricably linked to the broader New York City cultural history and landscape.”

(Courtesy of Bill Higgins)Pictured are honorees Jack Turner and Molly Barton Turner, with their children, Clyde Turner and Sylvie Turner. (Courtesy of Bill Higgins)(Courtesy of Bill Higgins)

Monger also pointed to her recent invitation to welcome King Charles III and Queen Camilla during their visit to New York, which centered on cultural exchange.

She said the opportunity underscores the museum’s growing prominence among New York City’s leading cultural institutions.

Scroll down for photos of the 2026 Staten Island Museum Gala.

If you want your submission to be considered for future installments of this column, please send high-resolution photos, a brief description of the event, and the names of everyone pictured to gsantos@siadvance.com.

(Courtesy of Bill Higgins)Pictured are honorees (l-r) Vincent Lima, Jennifer Lima, Anna Torres and Sean Torres. (Courtesy of Bill Higgins)(Courtesy of Bill Higgins)(Courtesy of Bill Higgins)More than 200 supporters gathered May 7, 2026 at the Richmond County Country Club for the Staten Island Museum Gala. Pictured are Joshua and Christie Rivera. (Courtesy of Bill Higgins)(Courtesy of Bill Higgins)(Courtesy of Bill Higgins)More than 200 supporters gathered May 7, 2026 at the Richmond County Country Club for the Staten Island Museum Gala. Pictured are Linda and Henry Salmon. (Courtesy of Bill Higgins)(Courtesy of Bill Higgins)(Courtesy of Bill Higgins)More than 200 supporters gathered May 7, 2026 at the Richmond County Country Club for the Staten Island Museum Gala. Pictured are Tatiana and Steven Sabatelli.
(Courtesy of Bill Higgins)(Courtesy of Bill Higgins)(Courtesy of Bill Higgins)Barbara and Alan Tepper are pictured at the Staten Island Museum gala. (Courtesy of Bill Higgins)(Courtesy of Bill Higgins)(Courtesy of Bill Higgins)More than 200 supporters gathered May 7, 2026 at the Richmond County Country Club for the Staten Island Museum Gala. Pictured are Mary Sobiechoawski, left, and Kim Avilez. (Courtesy of Bill Higgins)(Courtesy of Bill Higgins)(Courtesy of Bill Higgins)More than 200 supporters gathered May 7, 2026 at the Richmond County Country Club for the Staten Island Museum Gala. Pictured are Niles, Madison, and Noah French
(Courtesy of Bill Higgins)(Courtesy of Bill Higgins)(Courtesy of Bill Higgins)David and Yolanda Gleason are pictured at the Staten Island Museum gala. (Courtesy of Bill Higgins)(Courtesy of Bill Higgins)(Courtesy of Bill Higgins)More than 200 supporters gathered May 7, 2026 at the Richmond County Country Club for the Staten Island Museum Gala. Pictured is Lucille Herring. (Courtesy of Bill Higgins)(Courtesy of Bill Higgins)(Courtesy of Bill Higgins)More than 200 supporters gathered May 7, 2026 at the Richmond County Country Club for the Staten Island Museum Gala. Pictured are Amanda Straniere, left. Dr. Virginia Allen, and Ciro Galeno. (Courtesy of Bill Higgins)(Courtesy of Bill Higgins)(Courtesy of Bill Higgins)Pictured are Alice Diamond, left, wife of former Staten Island Advance publisher, the late Richard E. Diamond, and Caroline Harrison, the publisher of the Staten Island Advance. (Courtesy of Bill Higgins)(Courtesy of Bill Higgins)(Courtesy of Bill Higgins)Enjoying the Staten Island Museum gala are Toni-Ann Fischetti and Kathryn Aquino. (Courtesy of Bill Higgins)(Courtesy of Bill Higgins)

MORE BY DR. GRACELYN SANTOS

(Courtesy of Bill Higgins)Pictured st the 2026 Staten Island Museum gala is Dr. Sarolta Takács. (Courtesy of Bill Higgins)(Courtesy of Bill Higgins)(Courtesy of Bill Higgins)More than 200 supporters gathered May 7, 2026 at the Richmond County Country Club for the Staten Island Museum Gala. Pictured are Councilman Frank Morano and Councilman David Carr.
(Courtesy of Bill Higgins)(Courtesy of Bill Higgins)(Courtesy of Bill Higgins)More than 200 supporters gathered May 7, 2026 at the Richmond County Country Club for the Staten Island Museum Gala. Pictured is Public Administator Edwina Martin.
(Courtesy of Bill Higgins)(Courtesy of Bill Higgins)