Saturday, May 18, 2019 • 2:00 PM – Admission $10.00, Members Free
Civil War Intelligence & The International Spy Museum
Part I – Civil War Intelligence:
This presentation will focus broadly on an overview on the various intelligence, tradecraft, techniques and procedures used by the North and the South during the American Civil War. These include aged techniques like code-breaking, deception and surveillance, as well as newer practices like wire-tapping and overheard reconnaissance. I will also discuss how the two sides collected and utilized this information.
Part II – The New International Spy Museum in Washington, DC:
I will provide an overview of The New International Spy Museum’s purpose-built new facility is located in Washington DC’s L’Enfant Plaza, a short walk between the National Mall and The Wharf. The Museum will explore the many roles individuals play in spying and intelligence work – from the agents and their handlers in the field who collect intelligence or carry out covert operations, to the technical wizards who envision and create the gadgets that support them. Digging into its trove of intelligence stories, the Museum showcases a diverse cast, from the women whose analytical prowess facilitated the capture of Osama Bin Laden to James Lafayette, the African American spy whose intelligence reports helped George Washington clinch victory in the American Revolution, and many others, famous, infamous, and unknown. Through this exploration of people, missions, and artifacts from across the globe—from ancient Greece and China, to Cold War Cuba and Vietnam, to cyberspace and social media— these new exhibitions will present a comprehensive look at how spying has shaped our world and continues to do so.
COL Christopher P. Costa (Ret), Executive Director, International Spy Museum, Washington DC
COL Christopher P. Costa, USA, (Ret) , is a former career U.S. Army Intelligence officer. Mr. Costa served as the Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Counterterrorism on the National Security Council (NSC), at The White House from 2017-2018. At the NSC, he was responsible for coordinating counterterrorism policy and strategy as well as U.S. hostage recovery activities. Mr. Costa had 34 years of progressive national security experience for the U.S. Government and well-documented success in intelligence, counterintelligence, policy, and special operations. In May 2013, Mr. Costa was inducted into USSOCOM’s Commando Hall of Honor for extraordinary and enduring service to Special Operations Forces. Mr. Costa joined the International Spy Museum in 2018, as the Executive Director where he plays a leading role in building on its extraordinary success as a Washington, DC attraction. He speaks responsibly on current counterterrorism and intelligence issues.
