Peter Earnest is executive director of the International Spy Museum, located in downtown Washington. The museum includes a vast collection of spy gadgets, technology and a comprehensive history of clandestine intelligence gathering in the United States and throughout history. Earnest, who lives in McLean, is no stranger to the world of spying. He worked for the Central Intelligence Agency for 36 years.
What’s in the Spy Museum?
It’s a unique museum in that we try to encompass within it the story of spying both throughout history and around the world. Obviously you can’t do that in a singular permanent exhibit. We also have special exhibits, such as one on domestic terrorism which is now on tour, and immersive exhibits like “Operation Spy.” We also do regular programs for adults and children with speakers and hands-on workshop type programs.
How popular is the museum?
We have had, since opening in 2002, more than 4 million visitors. For people who come to Washington, D.C., we are about the third or fourth thing people want to see.
Who visits the museum?
There are a lot of families. They come because they feel like they’d like to understand something about espionage and national security. We get as many women as we get men. The demographics are across the board, old and young. We probably draw roughly 20 percent from the local community and a huge percentage from out of town.
How did you end up in the job?
I spent 36 years in the CIA, 25 years of it in the clandestine service. I was also director of media relations for three CIA directors. I had something of a public profile, which got the museum interested in me.
So can I call you a spy?
I’ve been called worse.
What’s your favorite exhibit?
One of the things I do enjoy is our oldest artifact, which is actually a letter from George Washington setting up a spy network in New York City. One of my favorite exhibits is a pigeon with a camera on it that was used to take pictures in World War II … It was the beginning of overhead intelligence. Today, it’s satellites. – Susan Ferrechio
