Florence and Neal Cohen

Florence and Neal Cohen have lived in New York, Minneapolis, Florida, and Virginia, and have found a home at the Folger Shakespeare Library.

The couple, who share a passion for literature and history, have lent their talents and generosity to the mission of the Folger. Together, Neal and Flo (a member of the Folger Board of Governors since 2017) have established a comprehensive philanthropic plan and given $1 million in support of The Wonder of Will: The Campaign for the Folger Shakespeare Library.

In recognition, the Folger will name in their honor the North East Gallery in the Shakespeare Exhibition Hall, just inside the theater-side entrance and adjacent to the First Folio Gallery.

“This gallery is not about the walls that shape it, but the powerful and unique experience it will be for theater-goers and all visitors to come to the Folger. There is no other place where one can experience quality programming alongside the original pages and images from which they were inspired and performed,” Flo shared.

She is a retired public relations and communications leader, and Neal is a veteran aviation and transportation executive. In addition to their campaign gift, the Cohens have been generous Director’s Circle members of the Renaissance Circles and Sponsors of the Folger Gala, which they co-chaired in 2019 to launch The Wonder of Will. Flo currently chairs the Nominating & Governance Committee of the Folger Board, and also serves on the Campaign Committee.

“We are committed to the Folger’s vision for the humanities. As much as we know this project and this gallery connect visitors to the past, we are also inspired by a vision of the living Shakespeare that includes and welcomes everyone in discoveries about ourselves and our world.”