A newly reimagined exhibit brings the history of American espionage to life. Courtesy of Alan Karchmer for the International Spy Museum
By Southwester Staff
The nonprofit International Spy Museum located on the L’Enfant Plaza promenade launched a revamped exhibit about America’s first spy network. Titled “Spying Launched a Nation,” the exhibit tells the story of the Culper Spy Ring, which innovated intelligence work to help defeat British forces in the Revolutionary War.
With financial support from the Verstandig Family Foundation, the updated exhibit includes a fully immersive space with projections on the walls and floor as well as monitors that allow the characters of George Washington and the Culper Spy Ring to come alive with hologram-like imagery. The experience is narrated by Chris Jackson, best known for his role as George Washington in the original cast of the Broadway musical Hamilton.
A priceless 1777 letter written by George Washington authorizing America’s first official effort at espionage is the centerpiece of the exhibit. More information and tickets are available at spymuseum.org.