In this dynamic and hands-on program, students embark on an exciting mission to explore an exhibit while acting as undercover agents. As they navigate through the exhibit, they must gather intelligence and rendezvous with other "agents," all while working together to solve puzzles and uncover hidden clues. The ultimate goal is to piece together enough information to unlock a secret lockbox, testing their teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. With its escape room-style challenge, this program turns exhibit exploration into a thrilling adventure, keeping students engaged while deepening their understanding of the historical content.

In this immersive program, students begin by examining the Fallout Shelter within the temporary Cold War exhibit, gaining insight into the fears and precautions taken during the height of nuclear tension. After exploring the historical context, students dive into a board game where they must navigate the difficult choices involved in surviving a nuclear fallout. With limited supplies and challenging scenarios, they will face dilemmas about resource allocation, teamwork, and problem-solving, gaining a deeper understanding of the survival mindset and the realities of the Cold War era. This activity encourages critical thinking and historical empathy as students grapple with the same questions that people faced during the nuclear threat of the mid-20th century.

When an American spy is captured by the Soviet Union, the stakes are incredibly high, as tensions between the two superpowers threaten to derail an upcoming peace summit between President Eisenhower and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev. In this interactive program, students step into the shoes of presidential advisors and work with primary source documents to explore the various political, diplomatic, and military options available to Eisenhower at this critical moment. Through discussion and debate, students will assess the potential consequences of each choice, considering the complex dynamics of the Cold War, and ultimately make their recommendation to the president on how to handle the crisis.

The conviction and execution of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg for espionage during the Cold War remains one of the most controversial legal cases in American history. Accused of passing atomic secrets to the Soviet Union, the Rosenbergs were sentenced to death in 1953. In this program, students will critically examine primary sources related to the case, including court documents, testimonies, and government files, to explore the complex political and ethical questions it raised. As they engage with these materials, students will debate whether the Rosenbergs should have been granted executive clemency, ultimately weighing the evidence and considering the broader implications of national security, justice, and civil rights during the Red Scare.

During the Cold War, President Eisenhower was tasked with developing a strategy to counter Soviet Communist expansion, a challenge that required careful analysis and decisive action. In this program, students are introduced to Project Solarium, a real-life task force convened by Eisenhower to explore different strategies for containing Soviet influence. Students take on the roles of national security advisors, diving into primary sources, historical documents, and case studies to examine three potential strategies: aggressive military action, diplomatic engagement, and containment. Through discussions and debates, students will evaluate the merits and risks of each option, ultimately presenting their recommendations to Eisenhower, simulating the decision-making process that shaped U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War.

The Soviet detonation of an atomic bomb in 1949 shook the foundations of American security, raising fears of nuclear war. In this program, students are introduced to the historical context of the Cold War and President Eisenhower’s leadership in navigating these turbulent times. Through the examination of primary sources, students learn how Eisenhower promoted a sense of calm and preparedness in the face of potential catastrophe, from civil defense initiatives to diplomatic strategies. This immersive experience provides insight into the challenges of Cold War-era leadership and the ways in which effective communication and planning helped mitigate the public's fear of nuclear conflict.