We will miss Heather MacDonald

We will miss Heather MacDonald

Word came late September 12 that Heather MacDonald, who had been re-hospitalized for treatment of a persistent liver malfunction, had died. She was just 40 years old.

Heather joined the Museum soon after our move to the Woolley House, and in the years since, had shared her talents with hundreds of visitors. She enriched our events with her pure voice, acting skill, and passion for living history. Heather started with Phoebe, third wife of Heather as Mabel Fenton

Thomas Woolley, builder of the oldest part of the Woolley House. She researched her story, made her costume, and brought Pheobe to life—often while demonstrating the spinning wheel or singing 18th century tunes.

Elizabeth Woolley (Eden’s wife), Lucretia Garfield (the President’s widow), and Mabel Fenton followed. We suspect Mabel—vaudeville superstar, Ocean Township speakeasy owner, and biggerthan-life character—was her favorite.

Heather headed our Living History program and mentored dozens of young volunteers in the craft. She was the gifted and youthful face of the Museum at Archives Day, the NJ History Fair, and more. She made us look good.