The International Spy Museum

I went down to the International Spy Museum yesterday. It was one of the stops I really wanted to make it to because I always loved the whole spy culture. It does cost money to check out this specific museum, but I thought that it was well worth it. I spent a good majority of the day going through all of the exhibits and examining all of the displays. I felt like a bright-eyed little kid. They try to explain the spy world and all of the terminology in fun and hands-on ways, giving the history of certain technology and spies. They have you pick a ‘cover’ and you have to remember the details. They also have computers set up where you have to identify certain targets using satellite images, decipher a code, or identify the threat. Some of my favorite exhibit included the Aston Martin DB-5 from the movie Goldfinger, the cloak and dagger exhibit, and the interesting history of the ‘bug wars’ between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. I recommend this place if you enjoy things like the James Bond movies or Robert Ludlum books, or just U.S. history in general because spying and acts of espionage really are essential to the history of America, from the times of the Revolutionary war until today, including new threats such as cyber terrorism. They also offer more in-depth opportunities for those who want more than jut a museum, like a chance for individuals to explore D.C. and all of its spy related sights all while trying to find and defuse a bomb and a spy at night experience. These cost more money but are supposed to be fun; I may try them some other time. The gift shop at the end was pretty interesting as well; they had items ranging all the way from children’s toys to actual spy equipment that is available to the public.

SRF