Lisa Krassner, Edward W. Kane Executive Director of the Concord Museum and
Allison Shilling, Deputy Director and Director of Engagement of the Concord Museum
"Affectionate Friends and Humble Servants" was an unforgettable evening that brought history to life in an engaging and thought-provoking way. Sandy Spector and Michele Gabrielson delivered a masterful performance, seamlessly blending historical depth with compelling storytelling. Their portrayal of Martha Washington and Mercy Otis Warren offered unique insights into the personal and political struggles of the Revolutionary era, making the past feel immediate and deeply relevant. This program was truly a tour de force—meticulously researched, beautifully executed, and profoundly moving.
Thank you for sharing this remarkable experience with our Concord Museum community!
Testimonials and Sites
Elyse Goldberg, Historic Site Manager
Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site, Newburgh, New York
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!
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.
Elizabeth Sulock,
Former Director of Public Programs, Newport Historical Society
Sandy Spector’s portrayal of Martha Washington transports you through time!
She engages audiences of all ages while sharing the past in a way that
makes the history accessible and interesting.
Heather Kowalski, Executive Director, 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 whose 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!
Sara Norton, Sharon Community Education, Sharon, MA
Presented: Dress & Tell: A Personal Conversation in Mrs. Washington's Bedchamber
" Sandy's portrayal of Martha Washington was fantastic! As Martha, she spoke passionately about her family, especially her children. She captivated her audience with stories of her life and her clothing as she dressed for entertaining dinner guests. Sandy was an absolute delight and we are so grateful that she shared her passion for this amazing American historical icon with our community!"
Tom Tringale, Boston Garrison Coordinator and Event Organizer
Sandy Spector is a highly respected and beloved member of the American Revolution Living History Community. Her research and portrayal of Martha Washington is appreciated by all those who watch her performances. Those who witness one of Sandy's programs always leave having learned something new about our Nation's first First Lady. Sandy's effort and energy in bringing Martha Washington to life is incredible.
Garrett Cloer, Supervisory Park Ranger
Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site
Cambridge, MA
The Washingtons take up residence in Cambridge each July to visit with guests.
Sandy has portrayed Martha Washington with us for the last five (currently 9!) years. She does an excellent job! It has been extremely valuable to us to be able to share the story of this dynamic woman!
Aicha Kelley, Assistant Director of Programming, Needham Council on Aging
Presented: Dress & Tell: A Personal Conversation in Mrs. Washington's Bedchamber
Sandy Spector, or should I say Martha, was such a talent.
We received rave reviews about her performance and her audience begged for an encore performance.
Joanne Blatte, Board Member, 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.
Clare Nelson, Holden Senior Center Program Coordinator
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."
Sharon Kirby, Program and Events Coordinator
Natick Community-Senior Center
Presented: Dress & Tell: A Personal Conversation in Mrs. Washington's Bedchamber
" Spending an hour with the first First Lady, Martha Washington was a delight!
Watching her dress for the day and understanding the clothing of the times along with relating stories of her family, children, 2 marriages and her personal challenges. We were immersed in the time and place with Sandy weaving a magical space.
I highly recommend this show!"
Guest Thoughts
From Alisa L., Mom of the 2 girls pictured where all 3 were guests at Lafayette-Durfee House's "Tea with Mrs. Washington"
"We had the opportunity to visit another historic site this Fall. When we left, Emme, my youngest said, “Mom, they were nice and told us things, BUT, they were not anywhere close to being as good as Mrs. Washington.”
I just love how much she enjoyed the tea and stories last weekend and how much you’ve made the history around the Washingtons come alive. I think the girls think they have a personal connection now. And I’m thrilled with that!"
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.
New collaboration: Affectionate friends & humble servants
Set in the late 18th century, enjoy this constructed conversation between Martha Washington and Mercy Otis Warren (portrayed by Michele Gabrielson), a prominent playwright and activist. In a cozy parlor setting, they discuss their friendship, their respective roles during the revolutionary era, and the challenges they encountered. Through a mix of dialogue and historical anecdotes, their conversation highlights their personal reflections and the broader political context, emphasizing the bond that contributed to their influence on the emerging nation.