A Toast To Southampton History

Philanthropist Jean Shafiroff welcomed supporters to her New York City home for an elegant reception celebrating the Southampton History Museum and its upcoming Halsey House Gala.

A Toast To Southampton History
Jean Shafiroff hosts a New York reception ahead of the Halsey House Gala
Philanthropist, author, and television host Jean Shafiroff recently opened her New York City home for a private reception in support of the Southampton History Museum and its upcoming Halsey House Gala. The annual benefit, which Shafiroff will co-chair with Mary Slattery, will take place on July 3, 2026, at the historic Halsey

House & Garden In Southampton.
The evening brought together friends, supporters, civic leaders, designers, and members of New York’s philanthropic community for cocktails, conversation, and a celebration of Southampton’s enduring cultural heritage. The reception served as an elegant lead-in to one of the Hamptons’ notable summer benefits, while also drawing attention to the museum’s mission of preserving and interpreting the history of Southampton through its historic sites, collections, exhibitions, and educational programs.

Located in one of Long Island’s most storied villages, the Southampton History Museum plays an important role in connecting residents and visitors to the architecture, artifacts, and stories that have shaped the East End for generations. Its work is especially resonant as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, a milestone that will be reflected in this year’s Halsey House Gala.

The 2026 gala will be held on the grounds of Halsey House, one of the oldest dwellings in New York State. Guests can expect an evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a raw bar, live music, and support for the preservation of Southampton’s history. For Shafiroff, whose philanthropic work spans New York City, the Hamptons, and beyond, the museum’s mission reflects the importance of protecting local heritage while keeping it relevant for future generations.

During the reception, Jean Shafiroff and the Southampton History Museum were presented with Citations from the New York State Assembly by Jerry Kremer, recognizing their contributions to preservation, culture, and civic engagement.

Shafiroff has long been recognized as one of New York’s leading philanthropic figures. She is the author of Successful Philanthropy: How To Make A Life By What You Give and host of the television program Successful Philanthropy. A dedicated volunteer fundraiser and nonprofit leader, she serves on the boards of numerous charitable organizations and chairs multiple galas each year. Her charitable commitments include women’s rights, underserved communities, health care, animal welfare, cultural preservation, and the arts.

Her current board affiliations include the French Heritage Society, Southampton Hospital Foundation, NYC Mission Society, Couture Council of the Museum at FIT, New York Women’s Foundation, Casita Maria, Global Strays, and the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation Honorary Board. She also serves on the Advisory Board of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County and is an honorary trustee of the Jewish Board, where she served for 28 years.

Notable attendees at the reception included Jean Shafiroff, Sarah Kautz, Frederick Anderson, Kobi Halpern, Malan Breton, Victor dE Souza, Maurizio Mauro, Ron Dyce, Averitt Buttrey, Mary Slattery, Marc Rosen, Jerry Kremer, Suzan Kremer, Patrick McMullan, Marilyn Kirschner, Alex Hamer, and Margo Langenberg.

For more information, visit jeanshafiroff.com and southamptonhistory.org