We Love DC, 5 Feb 10: Every Friday for the next six weeks, the International Spy Museum (ISM) will be debuting a new exhibit within the museum, including the addition of several new rare artifacts from the shadowy world of espionage. These new additions (some for a limited time only) join the already-extensive collection regarding the world’s “second-oldest profession” and the new gallery dedicated to espionage in the 21st Century. Several of these exhibits will tie into special programs occurring at the museum over the next few months, covering not only the secret history of spying but also exploring today’s hottest topics that daily impact the world of intelligence. . . . .
. . . . Richard Welch Exhibit. CIA Station Chief Richard Welch was assassinated in Greece in 1975 by the radical Marxist organization Revolutionary Organization 17 November (17N). Welch had previously been outed as a CIA operative in the East German publication Who’s Who in CIA. His assassination eventually led to the Intelligence Identities Protection Act. On loan from the Welch family, the Museum will display the wristwatch Welch was wearing at the time of his assassination, copies of Who’s Who in CIA and the Senate Hearing leading to the Intelligence Identities Protection Act, and a reproduction 17N terrorist flag. . . .
. . . . Cambridge Five. Disillusioned by capitalism and British imperialism, Kim Philby was ready to explore any new idea; communism became particularly attractive to him. A member of a group of students from Cambridge University united by their beliefs Philby forged one of the most successful spy operations in history. On loan from H. Keith Melton, one of ISM’s board members, the Museum will have on display several of Philby’s personal items including a flask, camera, coat, and a photo of Lenin. Joining these are additional Cambridge Five artifacts including fellow conspirator John Cairncross’ passport and a 1st edition book written by Anthony Blunt. . . .
Cambridge Five John Cairncross Passport
. . . . Canadian Intelligence. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) has loaned several artifacts for display in the “School for Spies” gallery. Previously on display in the Canadian Embassy, these tools of the trade will include a camera concealed in a woman’s handbag, a toy truck with a miniature one-time pad, special lens and encoding sheet hidden inside, and a concealment device designed to look like a tree branch. CSIS has also loaned several items pertaining to Igor Gouzenko, a clerk for Soviet military intelligence at the Soviet Embassy in Canada, who defected and often regarded as the first instance of Cold War espionage. Gouzenko’s gun, written statement to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and scrapbook of his clippings will have a dedicated case in the “Red Terror” gallery. . . .
Fredericksburg, VA Freelance-Star, 3 Dec 09: Area youths will have an opportunity for a firsthand tutorial about the intriguing world of espionage and intelligence when Peter Earnest–author of “The Real Spy’s Guide to Becoming a Spy”–comes to Fredericksburg this Saturday.
With the experience of a 35-year career in the clandestine service of the CIA, as well as his role as the founding (and current) executive director of the International Spy Museum, Earnest is a wealth of information on the vast intelligence arena–comprising more than 200,000 employees in the United States.
Having had a bookshelf filled with volumes on the FBI during his boyhood, Earnest recognizes the attraction that espionage has for young people.
“It has a special allure, because it is a secret world,” he said. “Intelligence, and particularly espionage, is often about things that are in the shadows. And there is a particular allure about things that have been deliberately hidden.”
Written for the young adult audience, “Spy’s Guide” includes an overview of the intelligence cycle and the different areas of expertise it involves, as well as periodic notes on “spy speak” and tales of real-life cases of espionage. . . . . .
