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.
JES Satellite Programming is sponsored by Erie Insurance.
Location: Harborcreek Twp Building - 5601 Buffalo Rd, Harborcreek, PA 16421
Date/Time: Wednesday, September 2nd, 6:00-7:30PM
Admission: FREE
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Michael Ganske is a graduate of Iowa State University and served in the United States Army where he was assigned to the White House Communications Agency. He had the privilege of serving President Ford and President Carter. In August 1978, he entered the Central Intelligence Agency in the Office of Security as a multi-discipline officer. Mr. Ganske retired in November 2000 and was awarded the Career Intelligence Medal. Mr. Ganske moved with his family to Clymer, NY in Aug 2002 and started Silver Eagle Consulting LLC, performing federal background investigations, threat analysis, security vetting for commercial partners, lectures on espionage for universities and civic groups and was the Lead Instructor for the Director of National Intelligence for defensive counterintelligence from April 2015 to July 2025.