Americans remember George Washington as the “father of our country.” How many know him as the spymaster behind the “Culper Ring,” gathering information on British troops? General Washington enlisted Mr. Nathaniel Sackett, a New Yorker who had proven himself a valuable spy catcher, as his “intelligence director.” In a 1777 letter, Washington engaged Sackett to create a spy network, pass along disinformation to British intelligence, and harass the enemy. It turns out the man who couldn’t tell a lie was a master of espionage.
In honor of Presidents’ Day, the International Spy Museum is pleased to announce that the original letter written by George Washington is on display in the Museum’s Permanent Exhibit. Because of the letter’s age and fragility, it can only be exhibited for two months a year. The original letter will remain on display through the end of February. While the original is in storage, an exact replica is on view.
The International Spy Museum will keep its doors open for extended hours over President’s Day Weekend 2013. Guests will have more time to see the George Washington letter, an important and rare artifact, as well as explore hundreds of authentic tools of the spy trade. They can test their spy skills with numerous computer interactives; discover the true stories behind espionage actions that have affected world events throughout history; and uncover the identities of some of the men and women involved in these clandestine missions. Guests will also meet James Bond villains, uncover their evil schemes and explore their exotic lairs and weapons in the new special exhibit Exquisitely Evil: 50 Years of Bond Villains.
President's Day Hours
February 16 & 17: 9am – 7pm
February 18: 9am – 6pm
General Admission
$19.95: Adults
Tickets
$15.95: Seniors (65+), Military, Law Enforcement
$15: Youth, ages 7-11
Free: Children, age 6 and under
About the International Spy Museum: The International Spy Museum is the only public museum in the United States solely dedicated to espionage and the only one in the world to provide a global perspective on an all-but-invisible profession that has shaped history and continues to have a significant impact on world events. The Museum features the largest collection of international espionage artifacts ever placed on public display, offering a rare glimpse into the whispered world of covert operations and the silent, unknown men and women behind them, making it an experience like no other. The International Spy Museum opened in Washington, D.C., just over 10 years ago on July 19, 2002.
