Ambassador Liberi
NEWBURGH – A former ambassador to the Republic of Burundi in the Obama Administration is planning to develop an art museum in a property on William Street in the City of Newburgh.
Dawn Liberi will purchase a vacant city-owned house at 40 William Street for $11,000 and develop an art gallery to display her vast collection of Burundi art.
“I just think this is a tremendous opportunity and welcome the opportunity to share my African art collection with the community both to do exhibits as well as educational programs,” she told the city council.
Liberi estimated it will cost her between $55,000 and $70,000 to renovate the building.
Councilwoman Hillary Rayford said for Liberi to invest in Newburgh “speaks volumes.”
Liberi was a career member of the Senior Foreign Service who was serving as the senior assistance coordinator at the US Embassy in Libya when President Obama nominated her to become ambassador.
