Barbara R. Martinsons, through her actions and generosity, is a pillar in her community. Her kindness to the Sullivan County community and the larger region is legendary among those privileged to know her.

A true philanthropist, Ms. Martinsons donated a building and parcel of land in the Town of Liberty to public radio station WJFF to serve as its new home. To support the funding of the Time and the Valleys Museum in Grahamsville, she opened and operated Calliope on Main, a secondhand furniture shop in Livingston Manor, the proceeds of which were donated to the Museum. Ms. Martinsons supports the arts and artists as a collector of sculpture, a sponsor of the Shandalee Music Festival, and as a board member – past and present – of the Catskill Art Society, WJFF and the Shandalee Music Festival.

Through her vision and volunteering Ms. Martinsons fosters social justice. She founded a thriving organization in New York City that supports women after release from prison, and serves as a board member of Hudson Link. Retired from the workforce, she has volunteered for several years as a teacher for Hudson Link in the local prison, helping inmates explore questions of right and wrong and earn credits toward a college degree. Most recently, she participated in Dialogue2Change, an initiative of the Sullivan County Human Rights Commission to develop creative strategies to overcome poverty.

Ms. Martinsons founded and facilitates a women’s reading group in Livingston Manor, creating community and comradery among 10 women of diverse ages and backgrounds. She enhances her community through her appreciation for arts
and culture, respect for history, fostering of beauty and her generosity to organizations throughout the region.