The Newberry, founded in 1887, is a historic cultural institution in Chicago dedicated to facilitating learning and research. It aims to be a portal to human history, from the 15th century to the present, welcoming people from all walks of life to explore topics of interest, discover family history, take classes, and learn something new. The mission emphasizes inclusivity and the support of a wide range of disciplines, including history, genealogy, arts, design, and education.
The Evelyn Dunbar and Ruth Dunbar Davee Fellowship is part of the Newberry's long-term fellowships, designed to support researchers dedicated to innovative and ground-breaking projects in various fields. This specific fellowship emphasizes scholarship in music, encouraging projects that make productive use of the Newberry’s extensive collections. Recipients are expected to immerse themselves for four to nine months in the Newberry's resources and academic community, contributing to the advancement of scholarship, developing new interpretations of historical materials, and engaging in a dynamic learning environment.