On this episode of the A New York Minute in History podcast, Devin Lander and Lauren Roberts tell the recently declassified story of a covert radio station built by the FBI on Long Island to deceive the Nazis during the Second World War.
From 1942-1945, double agents worked in secret from a remote home in Suffolk County on the major operations “Bodyguard” and “Bluebird,” and dug up information that some believe contributed to the United States’ development of the atomic bomb. After the war, the Wading River Radio Station was taken apart by the FBI, but the house itself (then called “Owen Place,” but now known as the “Benson House”) is open to visitors at Camp DeWolfe, a family camp and retreat. The property was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2018.
Guests include Dr. Raymond J. Batvinis, former supervisory special agent for the FBI now with the Institute of World Politics; and Rev. Matthew Tees, executive director of Camp DeWolfe.
A New York Minute In History is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio, the New York State Museum, and Archivist Media, with support from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation. This episode was produced by Jesse King. Our theme is “Begrudge” by Darby.
Photo provided.
Listen to more New York Almanack podcasts HERE.
Leave a Reply