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Neuberger Museum of Art

backstory50: A collection in service to others

On June 19, 1960, a critic for The New York Times wrote, “No private collection in this country, or for that matter anywhere, has been more generously put into service of the public than that of Mr. and Mrs. Roy R. Neuberger.”

Peter Hurd’s Boy from the Plains (1938) was one of the first works that Roy R. Neuberger sent out as a loan, sending it in 1941 to an exhibition organized by the Office of the Coordinator of Commercial and Cultural Relations between the American Republics, based at the Council of National Defense. It was among the first of many times that Neuberger shared his collections with institutions and organizations around the world.

Neuberger purchased the painting by Hurd, which was reproduced in a July 24, 1939 feature on the artist in Life magazine, in December 1938. He eventually gave it to his daughter, Ann Neuberger Aceves, who has always loved the painting. I remember how delighted I was when Ann donated the work to the Neuberger Museum of Art. I know that she treasured it, which is why her gift was so meaningful.

Today’s 50th anniversary thank-you goes to Ann Neuberger Aceves for being such a good friend to the Museum.

Tracy Fitzpatrick
Director, Neuberger Museum of Art

Orange square with a white border and large numbers 50 with small letters neu overlapping the top of the 5 and the word Years beneath


Watch for a new backstory every Wednesday and follow us on social media as we share stories about the Museum’s history, our evolution to the present day, and look ahead to our exciting future. Stay up-to-date with the latest news and “NEU 50 Years” updates on our anniversary webpage.