Ever since The Americans FX show hit the scene, millions of people have a new-found fascination with American spy history and artifacts. Certainly, you could search the Internet and read up on everything you ever wanted to know about espionage – but there is nothing like seeing a real-life spy collection up close and person. And THAT is why The International Spy Museum in Washington D.C. is so mind-blowing.
The International Spy Museum features the nation’s largest public collection of espionage artifacts. Its sole purpose to educate people on the craft, practice, history, and current role of international spying.
Leading Spy Experts
The International Spy Museum was formed and built on the knowledge of leading intelligence experts. Experts like:
- Judge William Webster Former Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Director of Central Intelligence
- R. James Woolsey Former Director of Central Intelligence
- Major General Oleg Kalugin Former Chief, KGB Foreign Counterintelligence
- Congressman Louis Stokes Former member, U.S. House of Representatives, and former Chairman, House Intelligence Committee
- David Kahn World-renowned expert in the history of cryptology, and former visiting historian, National Security Agency
- David Major President, Centre for Counterintelligence and Security Studies; and former Director, Counterintelligence, Intelligence and Security Programs, National Security Council
- Keith Melton Intelligence expert and technical advisor to U.S. Intelligence Community
- Antonio Joseph Mendez Former Chief, Graphics and Authentication Division, Central Intelligence Agency
- Jonna Hiestand Mendez Former Chief of Disguise, Central Intelligence Agency
- Dame Stella Rimington Former Director General, British Security Service (MI5)
- Peter Earnest Former Covert Operations Officer, Central Intelligence Agency
Spy Exhibits… and More
Perhaps the most exciting exhibit for fans of The Americans FX is the museum’s “Spies Among Us” experience. There, you can learn about top-secret code-breaking successes during World War II… and about the biggest secret of them all – the atom bomb.
The museum also sells book called I Lie for a Living – which tells the captivating tales of the most accomplished spies with a cause, outlaws and some of the greatest spy catchers.
If you find yourself in the D.C. area with a free afternoon, the International Spy Museum is worth a visit. You’ll also want to check out the new 007 exhibit too!
