Warder_building, courtesy of Me
I get a lot of updates on programs from a certain set of buildings at 8th and F St, NW, mainly because I had the privilege to work there when I first moved to the area. Their programs are top-notch and always interesting; this month’s offerings are no exception. So because secrets seem to abound all over our fair city, here’s your chance to discover some on your own at one of the area’s more clandestine sites.
Oh, come on. Indulge me the super-secret spy stuff. This place is one of the things I love about DC (though I do have my own personal thoughts about their ticket prices), so it’s just natural I share it with all of you.
The rundown after the jump.
Gunnar Sønsteby: Hero of the Norwegian Resistance Just when you thought you’ve heard all the stories about World War II, something else comes along and adds to it. Don’t believe me? I’m betting most of our readers have never heard the heroic story of “No. 24” during his days fighting the Nazis in Norway. Sønsteby and his team destroyed Nazi supplies, aircraft, and morale. He juggled more than 30 cover identities and corresponding disguises yet managed to keep ahead of the Gestapo and survive to personally guard the Norwegian royal family upon their triumphant return to Oslo.
Join the 91 year old Norwegian Hero, along with Norwegian Defense Attache Major General Tom Henry Knutsen and Ivar Kraglund, Deputy Director of the Norwegian Resistance Museum, as they fill you in on the Norwegian Resistance movement during the last world war. This special evening is next Thursday (Oct 16) at 6:30 p.m. at the Museum. Tickets are $20.
Secrets of Disguise Your kids may or may not know what they’re dressing up as for the end-of-month festivities; why not make it a little educational as well? At this “Kids Only” event, children ages 8-12 can learn how to create an ‘alternate identity’ (known as “cover” in spy language), complete with “pocket litter,” documentation, and a bevvy of professional make-up artists to help transform them into spies of tomorrow. Then they’ll face the ultimate test of their disguise – will they blow their cover under pressure? Find out at the museum, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct 19. Tickets are $30 and includes a photo of their “new identity.”
Iran: Another Intelligence Failure in the Making? A discussion right from today’s foreign policy headlines, former CIA senior operations officer Rober Baer, RAND Corporations’ senior economist Keith Crane and senior analyst David Thaler invite you to explore the strategic and intelligence challenges posed by Iran. Is Iran a new Persian Empire or on the brink of collapse? Are there lessons from the Cold War that can help us deal with Iran now? Are we once again facing a situation where the current intelligence is inadequate to inform policy makers? Find out the answers at this Tuesday, Oct 21 discussion at the museum. Tickets are $15, advanced registration required.
For more information on these and other events, plus operational hours and directions to the International Spy Museum, call 202.393.7798. You can purchase tickets in person at the museum’s box office or through their website.
Having lived in the DC area for ten years, Ben still loves to wander the city with his wife, shooting lots of photos and exploring all the latest exhibits and galleries. A certified hockey fanatic, he spends some time debating the Washington Capitals club with friends – but everyone knows of his three decade love affair with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
A professional writer, gamer, photographer, and Lego enthusiast, Ben remains captivated by DC and doesn’t plan on leaving any time soon.
Just got internet at my house again and was able to catch this article. Looks like some good info.