Testimonials and Sites

Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site

The Washingtons spend each long weekend in February at the Newburgh Headquarters to celebrate the General's birthday.

Sandy Spector IS Martha Washington! She portrays Mrs. Washington at our annual George Washington’s Birthday Celebration and other events at our site. Her presentation about Becoming Martha: On How to Make a Past Life Relevant to Present People kept our full house audiences enthralled, and her first-person portrayal adds another layer of knowledgeable interpretation. She is OUR Martha!

Elyse Goldberg, Historic Site Manager

Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site

Newburgh, New York

Sariah Clonts, Artist

Visionary Washington Artist Who Makes History Breathtakingly Accessible

Sandy Spector embodies the heart and soul of Martha Washington. It isn’t JUST a pleasure to work with Sandy, it’s an EXPERIENCE! As an artist, I usually have to explain to new models every detail of what I wish to capture for my painting, prior to and during the photoshoot. But Sandy only needs to hear what scene she will be undertaking before actually PERFORMING the role instead of becoming a mannequin to pose! She is amazing! When I look through my camera lens, I find myself not in the company of Sandy,

but in the presence of the First Lady… Martha Washington.

John Koopman III, George Washington Interpreter, www.JohnKoopmanIII.com

Several years ago, it became apparent that there was no one portraying Martha Washington in the Northeast. As a reenactor of the American Revolution, I thought through who could do it. Only one lady came to mind, Sandy Spector. Not only the right height, but she already had the same personality of Martha. She wouldn’t have to “act” the part. She would just have to immerse herself in the study of Martha’s life.

Sandy has a fine 18th century wardrobe that is correct. This adds tremendously to the impression. If you are looking for an accurate portrayal of Martha Washington, Sandy Spector is the one for you.

The Bidwell House Museum
VIP Event ~ Presentation and Informal Visiting

Sandy's interpretation of Martha Washington was wonderfully relatable and informative. Her embodiment of a woman who's life was marked in equal turns by excitement and tragedy was compelling and real. Sandy's knowledge of Martha's life and times was extensive and made for an engaging and charming Q&A at the end. We can't wait to work with Sandy again in the future!

Heather Kowalski, Executive Director

Monterey, MA

www.bidwellhousemuseum.org

The Friends of the Sharon Public Library,

"A Visit with Martha Washington", run via Zoom.

Sandy Spector was believable and wonderful as Martha Washington. In spite of the limitations of Zoom, she really brought Mrs. Washington’s presence, thoughts, and experiences to life. Sandy (as Mrs. Washington) happily answered questions from our audience conveying more insights into her life with George Washington. We would be delighted to have her again on Zoom, but hopefully in person.

Joanne Blatte, Board Member

Holden Senior Center, Holden, MA

Presented: Dress & Tell: A Personal Conversation in Mrs. Washington's Bedchamber

"It was our pleasure to host Sandy Spector as Martha Washington. The presentation was like having a friendly conversation with Martha herself. We learned a lot about conditions in those times . Martha displayed her layers of clothing for each season, told about the household accommodations, and quoted from letters that George wrote to her describing his tour of duty as well as the hardships that all were experiencing."

Clare Nelson, Holden Senior Center Program Coordinator

Guest Thoughts

From Marijane S., a guest at the talk "Dress & Tell: An Intimate Conversation in Mrs. Washington's Bedchamber":

Had a memorable, educational and truly entertaining time attending the Martha Washington presentation today at the Needham Council of Aging.

Never knew she was widowed in her 20's and had 4 children before she married George. Hearing about her amazing life during this volatile time in our American history was captivating.

As I heard another woman comment next to me, this is how history should be taught in school. Interactive, human and so interesting.