Intelligence is on the docket. It is shadowy stuff, but it is not in the shadows for this early government. In this episode of Revolution Revisited, host Maggie Creech is joined by Amanda Ohlke of the International Spy Museum to explore how espionage shaped the American Revolution, from Congress’s Committee of Secret Correspondence and foreign intelligence to George Washington’s expanding networks, paid informants, and use of deception. The episode traces early efforts like Knowlton’s Rangers and the failed mission of Nathan Hale, then highlights the Culper Ring’s civilian spycraft—aliases, codebooks, dead drops, and disinformation—and its role in reporting British plans and helping expose Benedict Arnold through the capture of John André. It also examines period techniques such as dictionary codes, sympathetic stains (invisible ink), masked letters, and mail interception, and includes the story of James Fayette, an enslaved Virginian spy whose intelligence aided Yorktown and whose freedom is documented through petitions, Lafayette’s endorsement, and a pension record. Featured GuestAmanda Ohlke, the International Spy Museum (SPY), Director of Adult Programs Amanda Ohlke is Director of Adult Education at the International Spy Museum. As a key member of the Spy Museum creative team since 2004, she has worked on a wide variety of exhibitions and programs on topics ranging from unexpected spies to sabotage to current national security issues, and she is the content liaison for the Museum’s international travel opportunities. Ohlke was on the team that developed the groundbreaking immersive experience Operation Spy, and she was the creative lead on the Museum’s “Spy in the City” GPS-based game. Her article inspired by an exhibition she curated, “Mata Hari: Ripe for Recruitment” is included in Secrets on Display from the University Press of Kansas. Her writing has been featured in Museum magazine, H-Diplo and other history and museum-oriented publications. She is currently writing a children’s book on spying. Ohlke has appeared on shows such as “Mysteries at the Museum,” The Secret History of the Civil War” and on podcasts including Galaxy Brains, Artastra, and SpyCast. She was formerly the Executive Director of the Museum Trustee Association and has worked for the National Building Museum, Nat Geo, and the Maryland Center for Arts and Culture. International Spy Museum (SPY) The International Spy Museum (SPY) is an independent nonprofit institution dedicated to illuminating the tradecraft, history, and contemporary relevance of espionage. Since its founding in 2002 in Washington, DC, the Museum has served as the only public institution in the United States solely focused on intelligence and espionage. In 2019, SPY relocated to an expanded, purpose-built facility at L’Enfant Plaza, enabling deeper public engagement through immersive exhibitions and continued innovative educational programming. SPY houses the largest collection of international espionage artifacts on public display as well as 10,000 additional objects in our “vault.” Timestamps:00:00 Welcome to Revolution Revisited00:36 Spies of the Revolution01:57 Congress Goes Secret03:30 Washington Builds Intelligence04:50 Knowlton’s Rangers and Hale06:30 Birth of the Culper Ring09:30 Culper Codes and Aliases12:04 Culper Wins and Arnold13:33 Tradecraft and Gadgets15:34 Codes and Cipher Books18:31 Invisible Ink and Masks22:19 Dead Drops and Disinformation26:35 Intelligence for Yorktown27:03 James Fayette Spy Story29:13 How We Know the Spies33:04 Deep Cover After the War34:58 Why People Spy36:16 Wrap Up and Next Episode Revolution Revisited™ is produced by the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. This podcast is made possible by the generous support of William & Karen Fralin. © 2026 Virginia Museum of History & Culture.