Explore the hidden world of intelligence and espionage during the American Revolutionary War and discover how secret operations helped shape the Patriot cause.
This presentation examines George Washington's critical role as America's first spymaster, including his use of reconnaissance, deception, propaganda, secret communications, and agent networks. It will introduce the spies, couriers, informants, and intelligence networks that operated on both sides of the Revolution, including the famed Culper Spy Ring, as well as figures such as John Jay, Paul Revere, Haym Salomon, Lydia Darragh, Nathan Hale, Hercules Mulligan, Cato, and John Honeyman.
The program will also explore British-aligned operatives and take a closer look at Benedict Arnold—hero or traitor?—tracing his early contributions to the American cause and his eventual betrayal of West Point.
Along the way, attendees will discover the fascinating tradecraft of Revolutionary War espionage, from codes and ciphers and secret writing to disguises, dead drops, and courier systems, revealing a lesser-known side of the struggle for American independence.
