NEWBURGH — Dozens gathered at Washington’s Headquarters in Newburgh to celebrate George Washington’s 288th birthday.
The original President and First Lady both made appearances — as played by longtime impersonators John Koopman and Sandy Spector — but stayed in character the whole time as George and Martha Washington during the end of the Revolutionary War, a time where Washington stayed in Newburgh to strategize postwar moves.
Koopman, staying in character as Washington, was concerned about the impending Articles of Confederation. “I have written a letter of note to the various governors of the state. I am concerned with our present government, the Articles of Confederation, it needs some adjustment and perhaps some complete redoing. So, I foresee that once the war is complete, I think that some of our political members should get together and we may need an entirely new form of government,” he said.
The future president described the birthday festivities as “a useful separation from the stresses of leadership.”
To the crowd, Washington further described his feelings during the end of the war, offering more statements that could resonate in today’s divisive climate.
“Let us therefore, when everything dear and valuable to free man is at stake…endeavored by all this skill and discipline in our power, acquire that knowledge and that conduct which is necessary in a war,” he said. “It is discipline that is the life and soul of an army, [which makes us] formidable to our enemies, honorable in ourselves and respected in the world.”
Elyse Goldberg, historic site manager at Washington’s Headquarters, described Washington as “a man of his time” and “very progressive.”
“He was very contemplative at the time he was here after the war,” she said. “He did a lot of thinking here.”
His birthday celebration is a three-day affair at Washington’s Headquarters, featuring music, arts and crafts and special birthday cakes from local diners.
New this year is the Washington Project 2020, a collaboration with Newburgh City schools, Safe Harbors on the Hudson and Washington’s Headquarters, where students interpret historical moments that took place at the headquarters in musical and theatrical performances.
“It’s their history,” said Goldberg. “They’re taking ownership of it.”
