The Fullerton states, We are pleased to announce that Maia Jarrett and her project, The Ethnomusicology of Newburgh, is a McHenry Award winner in the Arts category. Maia will be working with the Fullerton on the project in Summer 2026.

In honor of Barney McHenry’s contributions and accomplishments, the Open Space Institute has established and administers an award to celebrate his leadership and foster future leaders in the Hudson River Valley. The annual award will be used to provide financial support to promising young leaders and exemplary projects that make significant contributions to environmental conservation, environmental justice, historic preservation, tourism, and the arts in the Hudson River Valley.

The Ethnomusicology of Newburgh project expands upon The Fullerton’s mission to recognize, celebrate, and protect the city’s diverse cultural heritage and places of significance. As the first large-scale study of Newburgh’s music traditions, the project explores both historical and living cultural practices, highlighting how they are deeply connected to community identity and place. Using music as a central lens, the project will identify and map sites of cultural importance—including historic venues, religious institutions, and influential individuals—while situating their stories within the broader historical development of the Hudson Valley.

Grounded in a community-based methodology, Maia’s work combines archival research with active engagement of local residents, particularly those from historically overlooked communities. This approach ensures that the identification, preservation, and promotion of Newburgh’s cultural assets are shaped by the voices and experiences of those who sustain them. The project aligns with the City of Newburgh’s 2020 cultural plan, which emphasizes the arts as a driver for tourism and economic development.

By documenting and amplifying Newburgh’s diverse music traditions, the project aims to expand participation in the city’s arts and historic preservation ecosystem. Churches, cultural organizations, and musicians will be engaged as collaborators and co-creators, contributing to a richer and more inclusive historical record. Through interviews, archival materials, and public-facing outputs—including a digital platform and an exhibition with live performances—the project will present underrepresented narratives and foster stronger connections across communities.

Ultimately, the initiative seeks to catalyze collaboration, attract visitors, and support local economic growth through the arts. By sharing its methodology and findings online, the project will also serve as a model for other Hudson Valley communities interested in documenting and preserving their own musical heritage.