Filmmaker Bio: Marta Rich

Marta, the filmmaker behind “Gadsby’s Tavern,” is a rising senior at St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes Upper School in Alexandria, Virginia. Though new to the world of filmmaking, Marta managed to enter with action. A native of Alexandria, Marta spent many years working at Gadsby’s Tavern, and her historical documentary on the renovation of this cultural icon by Rebecca Ramsey Reese certainly showcases that experience.

Marta has been a volunteer at Gadsby’s Tavern ever since she was a little girl. From fourth to sixth grade, Marta attended the Junior Docents program, which combines children’s love of history with important public speaking experience by giving summer tours. In addition, she deeply enjoyed leading the Tavern Overnight program, which teaches Junior Girl Scouts about Rebecca Reese’s preservationist views through having the Junior Scouts “meet” Rebecca Ramsey Reese herself.

Originally, Marta was uncertain concerning the reactions her film would receive from both friends and audience attendees alike. In an interview with Kimberli Costabile on “Inside Scoop,” Marta described her first-time showcase jitters, “It was my first time making a documentary so I wasn’t sure. Well, I think it’s ok, but what will other people think?”

Fortunately for Marta, other people thought her documentary was excellent, and our editors at the American History Film Project deemed it perfect for our 3rd exhibition, where it received a raucous applause from the audience. In her own words, “It was an eye-opening experience, but it was also very gratifying hearing other parents and kids coming up and saying, ‘Wow. I really liked your work.’”

One of those audience members was Michele Longo, the regional coordinator for the National History Day chapter in Northern Virginia. Michele, present with Marta on the same segment of “Inside Scoop,” expressed nothing but positive sentiments about the documentary. “I was really excited to see how she pulled in her experience,” Michele said.

When Marta isn’t teaching about Ramsey Reese at Gadsby’s Tavern or studying at school, she hangs out with friends and enters other history competitions. An avid writer, she recently won a trip to the University of St. Andrews in Scotland for her literary prowess. In addition to writing, Marta is an equestrian who has entered multiple competitions.