International Spy Museum

07/13/2021

#SPYArtifact - NKVD Model FS-2 Photo Sniper Camera, c. 1943-45, for military use by the Soviet forces.
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The FS-2 comprises a modified camera on a wooden rifle stock incorporating a reflex viewfinder housing. Its original purpose was to use the quiet hands of good soldiers to shoot reconnaissance photos out of their emplacements. Later models were freely available as cameras for amateurs, nature photographers and paparazzi.

📷: Erik Sharar

#SPYArtifact - NKVD Model FS-2 Photo Sniper Camera, c. 1943-45, for military use by the Soviet forces.
•
The FS-2 comprises a modified camera on a wooden rifle stock incorporating a reflex viewfinder housing. Its original purpose was to use the quiet hands of good soldiers to shoot reconnaissance photos out of their emplacements. Later models were freely available as cameras for amateurs, nature photographers and paparazzi.

📷: Erik Sharar

07/12/2021

Today in #SpyHistory: Alfred Dreyfus, the French artillery officer of Jewish ancestry wrongfully accused of treason died in Paris, 1935. It was exactly 29 years after his exoneration.

The #DreyfusAffair was one of most polarizing political dramas in modern French history. In 1894, the French army obtained a letter revealing that a high-ranking officer was selling secrets to Germany. Suspicion fell on Captain Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish officer. Ignoring the fact that Dreyfus’ handwriting did not match the letter, an anti-Semitic court convicted him of treason and imprisoned him on a barren island.

Eventually the truth emerged: the real traitor was Major Ferdinand Esterhazy, a close friend of an officer in the French Intelligence Bureau. But the military ignored this new evidence until public pressure forced a retrial. Once again, Dreyfus was convicted. Only a presidential pardon secured his freedom.

In 1906, after receiving full amnesty, Dreyfus was promoted to major and awarded the coveted Legion of Honor.

Today in #SpyHistory: Alfred Dreyfus, the French artillery officer of Jewish ancestry wrongfully accused of treason died in Paris, 1935. It was exactly 29 years after his exoneration.

The #DreyfusAffair was one of most polarizing political dramas in modern French history. In 1894, the French army obtained a letter revealing that a high-ranking officer was selling secrets to Germany. Suspicion fell on Captain Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish officer. Ignoring the fact that Dreyfus’ handwriting did not match the letter, an anti-Semitic court convicted him of treason and imprisoned him on a barren island.

Eventually the truth emerged: the real traitor was Major Ferdinand Esterhazy, a close friend of an officer in the French Intelligence Bureau. But the military ignored this new evidence until public pressure forced a retrial. Once again, Dreyfus was convicted. Only a presidential pardon secured his freedom.

In 1906, after receiving full amnesty, Dreyfus was promoted to major and awarded the coveted Legion of Honor.

07/10/2021

It’s a beautiful day for the Spy Store Sidewalk Sale! Stop by and enjoy over 50% off spy gear + enter to win a Top Secret Prizepack!

07/09/2021

Calling all agents! Don't miss the Spy Museum Store's Summer Sidewalk Sale on Saturday, July 10; 11AM-4PM.

Stroll the L'Enfant Plaza promenade and enjoy red hot discounts on summer must-haves including spy gadgets, apparel, drinkware, books, puzzles, games and more! https://spymuseumstore.org/

Calling all agents! Don't miss the Spy Museum Store's Summer Sidewalk Sale on Saturday, July 10; 11AM-4PM.

Stroll the L'Enfant Plaza promenade and enjoy red hot discounts on summer must-haves including spy gadgets, apparel, drinkware, books, puzzles, games and more! https://spymuseumstore.org/

07/08/2021

Win Fandango tickets to see BLACK WIDOW!

🚨SPY GIVEAWAY🚨 Win (2) Fandango movie tickets to see BLACK WIDOW 🕷 this weekend!

In Marvel Studios’ action-packed spy thriller, Black Widow Natasha Romanoff aka "Black Widow" confronts the darker parts of her ledger when a dangerous conspiracy with ties to her past arises.

Pursued by a force that will stop at nothing to bring her down, Natasha must deal with her history as a spy and the broken relationships left in her wake long before she became an Avenger.

LIKE, SHARE and TAG a friend in the comments for your chance to win (2) Fandango tickets to see the film in theaters. A winner will be notified on Friday, July 9. Good luck, agents!

07/07/2021

Today is National #TelltheTruthDay! On this day, we want to shout-out young Agent Anonymous for this sincere letter of apology we received fessing up to absconding with two bracelets from the Spy Store.

We appreciate and accept your apology, Agent A. We know honesty is best practiced at any time. Still, it doesn’t always come easy, so bravo! All is forgiven. 🙂

Today is National #TelltheTruthDay! On this day, we want to shout-out young Agent Anonymous for this sincere letter of apology we received fessing up to absconding with two bracelets from the Spy Store.

We appreciate and accept your apology, Agent A. We know honesty is best practiced at any time. Still, it doesn’t always come easy, so bravo! All is forgiven. 🙂

07/07/2021

#SpyChat is back this week! Join us on Thurs., July 8; 12PM ET for an online discussion of the latest intelligence, national security, and terrorism issues in the news.

Spy Museum Executive Director Chris Costa will lead the briefing He will be joined by Ambassador Nathan A. Sales who recently served as the Acting Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights at the US Department of State.

Register --> https://bit.ly/3jPcWt3

#SpyChat is back this week! Join us on Thurs., July 8; 12PM ET for an online discussion of the latest intelligence, national security, and terrorism issues in the news.

Spy Museum Executive Director Chris Costa will lead the briefing He will be joined by Ambassador Nathan A. Sales who recently served as the Acting Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights at the US Department of State.

Register --> https://bit.ly/3jPcWt3

07/05/2021

"There is one evil I dread, & that is their spies.”

-- George Washington, 1776

It was David against Goliath. The 13 American colonies had declared independence from Britain. But how to win that freedom? What finally gave Americans the edge to win? Espionage. George Washington wrote this letter (pictured) hiring Nathanial Sackett as the nation’s first spy and the Culper Spy Ring.

See the 244-year old letter (an exact replica of the original letter from the Spy Museum collection) written by Washington now on display.

"There is one evil I dread, & that is their spies.”

-- George Washington, 1776

It was David against Goliath. The 13 American colonies had declared independence from Britain. But how to win that freedom? What finally gave Americans the edge to win? Espionage. George Washington wrote this letter (pictured) hiring Nathanial Sackett as the nation’s first spy and the Culper Spy Ring.

See the 244-year old letter (an exact replica of the original letter from the Spy Museum collection) written by Washington now on display.

07/04/2021

From our SPY family to yours, wishing you a safe and happy 4th of July! 🇺🇸

From our SPY family to yours, wishing you a safe and happy 4th of July! 🇺🇸

07/03/2021

We’re so thrilled to welcome you back this holiday weekend with new updates on mask guidelines! NOTE: Fully vaccinated visitors are no longer required to wear a mask in the Museum.

Guests who are not fully vaccinated, including children ages 2 to 11, must wear face coverings while indoors.

Visit http://spymuseum.org for more info on how to have a #SafeandStealthy mission at SPY!

We’re so thrilled to welcome you back this holiday weekend with new updates on mask guidelines! NOTE: Fully vaccinated visitors are no longer required to wear a mask in the Museum.

Guests who are not fully vaccinated, including children ages 2 to 11, must wear face coverings while indoors.

Visit http://spymuseum.org for more info on how to have a #SafeandStealthy mission at SPY!

07/02/2021

World UFO Day

Happy #WorldUFODay! 🛸

SPYFACT: Project Blue Book was a series of systematic studies of UFOs conducted by the United States Air Force. Over the two decades (1947-1969), 12,618 sightings were collected, analyzed & filed. The investigation concluded most were "misidentifications" of natural phenomena (clouds, stars) or aircraft.

On June 25, 2021, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence released an official report on UFOs and found no evidence of aliens but acknowledged 143 reports of "unidentified aerial phenomena" since 2004 that could not be explained.

It seems the truth is still out there....👽

07/01/2021

TODAY AT 12PM ET - Join us for a talk with author Claire Bellerjeau about her new book, "Espionage and Enslavement in the Revolution: The True Story of Robert Townsend & Elizabeth."

The book tells the story of Robert Townsend, a key member of the Culper Spy Ring, and his extraordinary efforts to rescue Elizabeth, an enslaved woman who had run away from his family and was re-enslaved. Bellerjeau will reveal how she discovered Liss’s existence and then filled in details of an extraordinary life lived during a transformative period in our history.

Register --> https://bit.ly/2UgK0zs

TODAY AT 12PM ET - Join us for a talk with author Claire Bellerjeau about her new book, "Espionage and Enslavement in the Revolution: The True Story of Robert Townsend & Elizabeth."

The book tells the story of Robert Townsend, a key member of the Culper Spy Ring, and his extraordinary efforts to rescue Elizabeth, an enslaved woman who had run away from his family and was re-enslaved. Bellerjeau will reveal how she discovered Liss’s existence and then filled in details of an extraordinary life lived during a transformative period in our history.

Register --> https://bit.ly/2UgK0zs

06/29/2021

It's #NationalCameraDay! For decades, spies have relied on concealed cameras to photograph people or papers quickly, quietly, reliably, easily…and secretly.

Here's a look at some of our favorite cameras from the Museum's Clandestine Photography gallery!

📷: Steineck ABC Wristwatch Camera, Stirn’s Buttonhole camera, Stasi Bra Camera, Echo 8 Lighter Camera. https://bit.ly/3dqLNbP

06/28/2021

Today in #SpyHistory: The FBI arrested10 Russian "illegals," operating undercover including Anna Chapman, 2010. The group spied for Russia for up to a decade - posing as innocent civilians while trying to infiltrate U.S. policymaking circles and learn about U.S. weapons, diplomatic strategy and political developments.

All pleaded guilty. It was one of the greatest counterintelligence successes in history.

See their original handcuffs on display in the Museum's "Spy Next Door" exhibit.

Today in #SpyHistory: The FBI arrested10 Russian "illegals," operating undercover including Anna Chapman, 2010. The group spied for Russia for up to a decade - posing as innocent civilians while trying to infiltrate U.S. policymaking circles and learn about U.S. weapons, diplomatic strategy and political developments.

All pleaded guilty. It was one of the greatest counterintelligence successes in history.

See their original handcuffs on display in the Museum's "Spy Next Door" exhibit.

06/25/2021

Extended hours are here to stay! SPY is open with extended hours 9AM-8PM on Friday - Sunday and 9AM-7PM Monday - Thursday.
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Tickets go fast! Visit http://spymuseum.org for availability and safety guidelines on how to have a #SafeandStealthy experience.

Extended hours are here to stay! SPY is open with extended hours 9AM-8PM on Friday - Sunday and 9AM-7PM Monday - Thursday.
•
Tickets go fast! Visit http://spymuseum.org for availability and safety guidelines on how to have a #SafeandStealthy experience.

06/24/2021

TODAY! Join us for Spies & Spymasters Happy Hour (Thursday, June 24; 8PM ET/5PM PT) as we explore the secret history of Walt Disney Studios and their covert work with the US government to support the war effort during WWII!

Spy Museum’s Exhibition and Programs team members Andrew Hammond and Shana Oltmans will be joined by The Walt Disney Family Museum’s Exhibition Curator, Kent Ramsey as our two museums combine their bicoastal forces to explore what Donald Duck had to do with the war, why propaganda is considered a covert action, and other creative morale operations at play in WWII.

Register ---> https://bit.ly/3g6wqaj

TODAY! Join us for Spies & Spymasters Happy Hour (Thursday, June 24; 8PM ET/5PM PT) as we explore the secret history of Walt Disney Studios and their covert work with the US government to support the war effort during WWII!

Spy Museum’s Exhibition and Programs team members Andrew Hammond and Shana Oltmans will be joined by The Walt Disney Family Museum’s Exhibition Curator, Kent Ramsey as our two museums combine their bicoastal forces to explore what Donald Duck had to do with the war, why propaganda is considered a covert action, and other creative morale operations at play in WWII.

Register ---> https://bit.ly/3g6wqaj

06/23/2021

New Alan Turing £50 note enters circulation

“Those who can imagine anything, can create the impossible.” 🌈

Today, on his 109th birthday, the Bank of England's newly-designed £50 note featuring the portrait of Alan Turing has entered circulation.

The pioneering computer scientist, cryptanalyst and WWII code-breaker of the ENIGMA, was born on this day in 1912. The note features and celebrates the work of Turing who helped accelerate Allied efforts to read German Naval messages enciphered with the Enigma machine, and so shortening WWII and saving lives.

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-57554102

The old £50 and £20 banknotes will be withdrawn by October next year, the Bank of England says.

06/22/2021

Former Army Intel Director Breaks Down Spy Satellite Scenes From Movies & TV | WIRED

🛰 "We have a visual on the target."

Keith Masback, former Director of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance integration for the US Army, takes a look at spy satellite and surveillance scenes from a variety of television shows and movies and breaks down how accurate they really are.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KI5-ZPdnkyE

During his 30-year professional career, Masback commanded a unit that brought intelligence from satellites and aircraft to soldiers in the field and later led an organization responsible for prioritizing and managing the collection by imaging and missile warning satellites at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

In the world of geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) - Masback is the GOAT. He is an Advisory Board Member at the Spy Museum.

Check out more incredible stories on science and tech on WIRED's YouTube: http://wrd.cm/15fP7B7

06/22/2021

Today in #SpyHistory: Checkpoint Charlie was dismantled, 1990. The crossing point on the sector border between East Berlin and West Berlin had become obsolete with the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

Explore the Museum's exhibit Berlin, City of Spies—an immersive recreation contrasting West and East Berlin during the Cold War. https://bit.ly/3oCXboW

📷: ABC

Today in #SpyHistory: Checkpoint Charlie was dismantled, 1990. The crossing point on the sector border between East Berlin and West Berlin had become obsolete with the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

Explore the Museum's exhibit Berlin, City of Spies—an immersive recreation contrasting West and East Berlin during the Cold War. https://bit.ly/3oCXboW

📷: ABC

06/21/2021

#SPYArtifact - Shoe Concealment Device. Issued by CIA, 1960s-1970s. For a spy, stealing secrets is only half the battle. The final, critical step is getting the information to one’s handlers. Often this involves concealing documents or other items in everyday objects such as an umbrella, shaving cream can, or in this case...a shoe.

06/21/2021

Amazon Prime Day 2021 is here! Did you know when you shop Amazon.com, they will donate 0.5% of eligible purchases to your favorite charitable organization?

Experience feel–good shopping while supporting SPY with no fees, no extra cost. Sign in through smile.amazon.com and select the International Spy Museum as your preferred charity, and SPY will receive 0.5% of your purchase price as a donation.

Amazon Prime Day 2021 is here! Did you know when you shop Amazon.com, they will donate 0.5% of eligible purchases to your favorite charitable organization?

Experience feel–good shopping while supporting SPY with no fees, no extra cost. Sign in through smile.amazon.com and select the International Spy Museum as your preferred charity, and SPY will receive 0.5% of your purchase price as a donation.