MORE

In the News

A look into CIA history

A new exhibit at Langley includes a World War II-era letter from former director Richard Helms to his young son.

5 Seconds

00:00

00:00

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

A new exhibit at the CIA museum in Langley features a letter that Richard Helms wrote to his son, Dennis, on stationery taken from the Fuehrer at the end of World War II. The Helms legacy is featured because he was a member of the Office of Strategic Services, the precursor to the CIA.

Bill O'Leary / The Washington Post

At a White House ceremony in the early 1980s, Richard Helms receives an award from President Ronald Reagan for 'exceptionally meritorious service.' Helms was among the founders of the CIA and served as agency director from 1966 to 1973.

At a White House ceremony in the early 1980s, Richard Helms receives an award from President Ronald Reagan for "exceptionally meritorious service." Helms was among the founders of the CIA and served as agency director from 1966 to 1973.

/ White House

A reproduction of a telegram from Richard Helms is among the items in the CIA exhibit dedicated to the OSS.

A reproduction of a telegram from Richard Helms is among the items in the CIA exhibit dedicated to the OSS.

Bill O'Leary / The Washington Post

In 1966, from left, Gates Helms, Dennis Helms, President Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard Helms in the East Room of the White House after Richard Helms was sworn in as CIA director.

In 1966, from left, Gates Helms, Dennis Helms, President Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard Helms in the East Room of the White House after Richard Helms was sworn in as CIA director.

Yoichi R. Okamoto / White House

The CIA's museum in Langley.

The CIA's museum in Langley.

Bill O'Leary / The Washington Post

“When we got it, the hair on our arms stood up,” CIA museum curator Toni Hiley said of the Helms letter dated 'V-E day.'

“When we got it, the hair on our arms stood up,” CIA museum curator Toni Hiley said of the Helms letter dated "V-E day."

Bill O'Leary / The Washington Post

The CIA's OSS exhibit includes counterfeit postage stamps that show a skeletal version of Hitler's profile.

Bill O'Leary / The Washington Post

Prisoners of war turned a boot-polish tin into a mold to copy decorations on German uniforms.

Prisoners of war turned a boot-polish tin into a mold to copy decorations on German uniforms.

Bill O'Leary / The Washington Post

A suitcase radio was once a tool of the spy trade.

A suitcase radio was once a tool of the spy trade.

Bill O'Leary / The Washington Post

The note from Richard Helms to his son and a dinner plate from Hitler's chancellery, upper right, are on display.

The note from Richard Helms to his son and a dinner plate from Hitler's chancellery, upper right, are on display.

Bill O'Leary / The Washington Post

A rare single-shot pistol is part of the CIA exhibit.

A rare single-shot pistol is part of the CIA exhibit.

Bill O'Leary / The Washington Post

A hall of portraits commemorates the succession of agency directors. William Donovan, who was head of the OSS, is considered the father of American intelligence.

A hall of portraits commemorates the succession of agency directors. William Donovan, who was head of the OSS, is considered the father of American intelligence.

Bill O'Leary / The Washington Post

Featured Photo Galleries

Novelist Toni Morrison laughs with U.S. President Barack Obama before being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. The Medal of Freedom is the nation's highest civilian honor. Photographer: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg *** Local Caption *** Toni Morrison; Barack Obama

Obama Honors Medal of Freedom Recipients

President Obama honored a diverse group of political and cultural icons.

PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 29: Serena Williams of USA stretches to plays a forehand in her women's singles first round match between Serena Williams of USA and Virginie Razzano of France during day three of the French Open at Roland Garros on May 29, 2012 in Paris, France. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

French Open results: Serena Williams loses, Maria Sharapova cruises

The American tennis star lost in the first round of a Grand Slam event.

Winnie Pajcic, 9, holds on to a railing as she leans back in the wind during a visit to Stockton Park in Ortega, Fla., in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Beryl on Monday May 28, 2012. Beryl came ashore early Monday near Jacksonville Beach with near-hurricane-strength winds of 70 mph. (AP Photo/The Florida Times-Union, Kelly Jordan)

Tropical storm Beryl, Flugtag, Rolling Thunder, Memorial Day and more in the day in photos

Tropical storm Beryl, Flugtag, Rolling Thunder, Memorial Day and more.

Camels rest at a watering hole outside the town of Aleg May 25, 2012. REUTERS/Joe Penney (MAURITANIA - Tags: ANIMALS SOCIETY)

Camels, tigers, turtles, a giant stag beetle and more in animal views

Camels, tigers, turtles, a giant stag beetle and more.

ANNAPOLIS, MD- MAY 29: Graduates cheer as the Blue Angels fly over during the 100th anniversary of the United States Naval Academy Graduation and Commissioning Ceremonies in Annapolis, Maryland, on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. U.S Sec. of Defense Leon Edward Panetta gave the graduation address. (Photo by Nikki Kahn/The Washington Post)

U.S. Naval Academy graduation

Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta gave the commencement address at the ceremony.

LAS VEGAS, NV - MAY 26: Singer/actress Jennifer Lopez (C) performs with dancers during the Q'Viva! The Chosen Live show at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on May 26, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Eye on entertainment

Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Lil Jon, Eddie Van Halen, Mariah Carey and other celebrities.

Doc Watson, bluegrass and folk legend, dies at 89

The blind singer and guitarist was a Grammy winner, known for his flat-picking style of guitar playing.

Henry, a calf, sustained a head wound and required stitches after being slashed over the weekend.

Farm animals attacked in Fairfax

A calf, two goats and a chicken were slashed over the weekend at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon.

Back to Previous Gallery

Discussion Policy | FAQ | About Discussions

Loading...

Comments

Add your comment

Read what others are saying About Badges

SuperFan Badge

SuperFan badge holders consistently post smart, timely comments about Washington area sports and teams.

More about badges | Request a badge

Culture Connoisseur Badge

Culture Connoisseurs consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on the arts, lifestyle and entertainment.

More about badges | Request a badge

Fact Checker Badge

Fact Checkers contribute questions, information and facts to The Fact Checker.

More about badges | Request a badge

Washingtologist Badge

Washingtologists consistently post thought-provoking, timely comments on events, communities, and trends in the Washington area.

More about badges | Request a badge

Post Writer Badge

This commenter is a Washington Post editor, reporter or producer.

Post Forum Badge

Post Forum members consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on politics, national and international affairs.

More about badges | Request a badge

Weather Watcher Badge

Weather Watchers consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on climates and forecasts.

More about badges | Request a badge

World Watcher Badge

World Watchers consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on international affairs.

More about badges | Request a badge

Post Contributor Badge

This commenter is a Washington Post contributor. Post contributors aren’t staff, but may write articles or columns. In some cases, contributors are sources or experts quoted in a story.

More about badges | Request a badge

Post Recommended

Washington Post reporters or editors recommend this comment or reader post.

You must be logged in to report a comment.

Comments our editors find particularly useful or relevant are displayed in Top Comments, as are comments by users with these badges: . Replies to those posts appear here, as well as posts by staff writers.

All comments are posted in the All Comments tab.

More about badges

Get a badge

To pause and restart automatic updates, click "Live" or "Paused". If paused, you'll be notified of the number of additional comments that have come in.

Comments our editors find particularly useful or relevant are displayed in Top Comments, as are comments by users with these badges: . Replies to those posts appear here, as well as posts by staff writers.