"Spies Among Us" is open until December 18th - don’t miss it! You can visit the museum every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the month of November (except Thanksgiving) and on December 18th. You can also visit on Sunday, November 9th from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. We look forward to welcoming you!

The exhibit recalls the story of General Gage's spies who visited the Tavern in 1775, explores examples of espionage on both sides, and examines the many ways of spying that were used during the American Revolution.

Spycraft played a pivotal role during the American Revolution, with both the Continental Army and British forces using intelligence operations to gain strategic advantages. The Golden Ball Tavern and its proprietor Isaac Jones, played host on a few occasions to British spies sent, by General Thomas Gage, to survey the towns that were scattered around the area from Boston to Worcester. This was just one of the British military's tactics for keeping the Patriots in line. On the American side, espionage was essential in countering the British military's superior resources and manpower.

The spycraft of the American Revolution was marked by its ingenuity, the use of civilian networks, and the blending of military and civilian espionage tactics. Though it was often risky and unreliable, intelligence-gathering operations played a critical role in the eventual success of the American cause, allowing the Continental Army to take advantage of British vulnerabilities and ultimately secure victory.

(Above photo: Excerpt from General Gage's letter to the spies.)