Issue 06 Preview – Visit – International Spy Museum Jan Tegler Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More The Secret History of History Learn All About the Unseen World of Spying and Intelligence Gathering at The International Spy Museum in Washington D.C. Interior Images Courtesy of International Spy Museum Some people might think of history as done, permanent, set in stone. But the reality is that history — as taught in schools and covered in the media — is continually interpreted and reinterpreted. Researchers, scholars, and authors revise the public record of generations past and of our own as new information comes to light. More often than we realize, however, there are stories behind the “official” versions of history we know — tales that cannot be told for a variety of reasons. Since ancient times, espionage has influenced the course of history. Shedding light on the unseen world of spying and intelligence gathering is the mission of the International Spy Museum (ISM). Hiding in plain sight just a few blocks from the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C., the ISM is the only public museum of its kind in the world, giving a global perspective on the craft, practice, history, and contemporary role of espionage. Opened in July 2002, the museum was conceived in the mid-1990s by Milton Maltz. Chairman of the Malrite Company and a founder of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Maltz served with the National Security Agency as a young enlisted man in the U.S. Navy. Throughout his career in business he maintained an interest in intelligence and thought Americans should have a better idea of its role in history. Over the course of seven years he brought together leading experts and practitioners from the intelligence community to aid in the creation of the one-of-a-kind museum. The ISM’s Advisory Board of Directors includes former directors of the CIA, FBI, and MI5, as well as a former KGB Chief, the president of the Center for Counterintelligence and Security Studies, a renowned expert in the history of cryptology, and the CIA’s ex-chief of disguise, among others. The cleverly curated museum has been a hit, drawing 600,000 to 700,000 visitors per year. “I like the idea of trying to give a holistic view of espionage to the public,” Executive Director Peter Earnest says. “We’re providing insight into the different aspects of intelligence in an informative and engaging way.” For the rest of this article, subscribe digitally here: RECOIL Issue 6 Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.