Cloak & Dagger
International intrigue is part of the history of Washington, D.C., and many sites around the city bring that history to life. The most easily accessible is the International Spy Museum, but there are other sites that are of interest. It is also worth noting that several private touring companies specialize in spy-related tours that feature the places where spies lived, worked and operated. You may find one of those tours of great interest.
Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) |
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The center of American national security intelligence, the CIA's primary mission is to collect, analyze, evaluate and disseminate foreign intelligence to assist the President and senior policymakers in decisions regarding national security. | ||
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (202) 324-3447 935 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20535 Currently closed to public tours |
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Home of America's premier law enforcement agency, the FBI's J. Edgar Hoover Building has been closed to public tours since 2001. You can learn more about the FBI at its website. | ||
International Spy Museum |
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The International Spy Museum puts its visitors into the shadowy world of espionage with exhibits and programs about the role that spies have played in history. Interactive exhibits invite visitors to try their hand at spycraft; displays give context and understanding to spy activities. | ||
National Cryptologic Museum (301) 688-5849 Fort George G. Meade, MD 9am-4pm Monday-Friday; 10am-2pm 1st and 3rd Saturdays No admission charged |
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The only public museum in the intelligence community, the National Cryptologic Museum gives the public a peek into codemarking and codebreaking. Exhibits feature devices used in the Civil War, the Cold War and both World Wars. The museum is located at NSA Headquarters in Fort George G. Meade, Maryland. | ||
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National Museum of Crime and Punishment (202) 393-1099 575 7th Street, NW between E and F Streets, Washington, DC 9am-9pm March-August; 10am-8pm September-December; Closed Jan 1, Thanksgiving, December 25 Admission charged |
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Opened in summer of 2008, this museum highlights the evolution of crime and the criminal throughout the ages. It includes medieval knights and greed-driven pirates down to gunslingers and today’s white collar criminals. Interactive exhibits include a safecracking exercise, computer hacking and a shooting gallery. A popular attraction is dedicated to America’s Dumbest Criminals. |
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National Vigilance Park (301) 688-5849 Fort George G. Meade, MD No admission charged |
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Located next to the National Cryptologic Museum in Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, this park showcases two reconnaissance aircraft that were used for secret missions for the United States. | ||