Chapter CIA Museum
Previous | Contents | Next
CIA Museum
The CIA Museum, administered by the Center for the Study of Intelligence, is the preeminent national archive for the collection, preservation, documentation, and exhibition of intelligence artifacts, culture, and history. The Museum Collection, which currently numbers some 4,000 items, is held in trust for the American people. Because the museum is open only to staff and official visitors, public exhibitions in partnership with the Presidential Libraries and other major museums and institutions are developed to promote a wider understanding of the craft of intelligence and its role in the broader American experience.
The CIA Museum's scope of collection includes material associated with activities of the CIA's predecessor, the Office of Strategic Services (OSS); material associated with activities of foreign intelligence organizations; and material associated with the history and mission of the Central Intelligence Agency. Articles in the Museum Collection include clothing, equipment, weapons, memorabilia, and insignia designed, developed, manufactured, or used by intelligence organizations, foreign and domestic, past and present.
The CIA Museum currently maintains four exhibits of important historical intelligence artifacts at CIA Headquarters in Langley, Virginia. Dedicated in June 2002 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the OSS, the CIA Museum's New Headquarters Building Gallery houses an exhibit devoted to preserving the legacy CIA inherited from the OSS. The exhibit displays personal memorabilia from Major General William J. Donovan, founder of the OSS; examples of OSS equipment; and a German "Enigma" enciphering machine from World War II. The Cold War Gallery was established in collaboration with collector and historian H. Keith Melton in 1997. "The Cold War: Fifty Years of Silent Conflict" showcases many of the 8,000 clandestine espionage artifacts from the United States, the former Soviet Union, and East Germany that make up the world's largest private collection of spy gear. "Analysis Informing American Policy," located in the Old Headquarters Building Galleries, celebrates the 50th anniversary of the creation of the Directorate of Intelligence in 1952 and its long record of service and achievement to provide our nation's leaders with timely, relevant, and accurate intelligence analysis. Also in the Old Headquarters Building Galleries is "The Directorate of Science & Technology - People & Technology In the Service of Freedom," which commemorates the 40th anniversary of the DS&T's establishment in 1963. Tradecraft items displayed here are products of some of America's most advanced thinkers, adapting existing technologies or inventing new ones, tirelessly sifting for clues-selflessly putting themselves in the service of freedom.
****** Photo Caption ****** Welbike, British Special Operations Executive, WWII; Collection of H. Keith Melton *********
****** Photo Caption ****** U-2 Pressure Suit and Helmet, ca. 1955 ********
****** Photo Caption ****** Maquette, The Day the Wall Came Down ©1999 Veryl Goodnight ********
Contents
Prev
Next
Last
