Spies in the Freedom Museum on July 18

On Tuesday, July 18, at 7:30 PM at the Freedom Museum in Manassas Airport, Ellen Butler will discuss her new book, The Brass Compass, which describes the activities of women spies during World War II. 

Her fascination with WWII history originally piqued when her grandfather revealed his role as a cryptographer during that war. 

However, the brave women who served in the U.S. Office of Strategic Services (OSS), British Special Operations Executive, and French Resistance inspired The Brass Compass.  This book is timely because this year is the 75th anniversary of the OSS.  The OSS program, which spawned the CIA, the Navy Seals, and the Special Forces, will be lauded for the heroism and valor of its employees. 

In this painstakingly researched fictional book, The Brass Compass, you will find sabotage, seduction, and couture dresses with hidden pockets.  All were techniques and tools used by female spies recruited by the OSS during World War II. 

These women were critical to Allied success and audiences were thrilled by their exploits in novels and on the screen, yet their very real accomplishments have been ignored for generations.  Thanks to the OSS Congressional Gold Medal Act, its agents will get the recognition they deserve. Just in time for that celebration, The Brass Compass, a book set during WWII, places one female spy in the spotlight.

Butler is an award-winning novelist writing critically acclaimed suspense thrillers, and sassy romance.  She also holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Policy, and her history includes a long list of writing for dry, but illuminating, professional newsletters and windy papers on public policy. She lives in the Woodbridge with her husband and two children.

The Freedom Museum is located in the Terminal Building at the Manassas Regional Airport, 10600 Harry Parrish Blvd, Manassas, VA 20110.  The event is from 7:30 PM to 8:45 PM.  Butler will be available to autograph and sell her book.  Admission is free and light refreshments will be served.  For directions and further information, visit http://www.freedommuseum.org.