Spy Museum tells CAH commissioners how 'Spy With Me' brings museum programs to people with dementia

Shana Ultmans, manager of museum programs and experiences at the International Spy Museum, told the Commission on the Arts and Humanities on March 23 that the museum's 'Spy With Me' program — designed for individuals with dementia and their care partners — has reached 176 participants at five sites across Wards 1, 3, 7 and 8.

Ultmans said the program, previously offered virtually, used CAH grant funding to bring an in-person museum experience into community settings. She described a mix of storytelling, PowerPoint images, music and tactile props; staff used 3D-printed replicas of frequently requested artifacts (for example, a lipstick pistol) and added touchable everyday objects previously used as concealment devices to help participants connect with the material.

"This program is designed specifically for individuals with dementia and their care partners," Ultmans said, describing how participants reacted to handling replicated Oscars and other objects and sometimes even giving mock acceptance speeches. She said partner organizations included IONA Senior Services and the East of the River Socialization Hub.

Ultmans said staff observed increased participation from community members who typically do not engage in other activities, and that caregivers and site staff reported participants continued talking about the program several days later. The presentation emphasized CAH's role in enabling the museum to broaden access by covering costs related to travel, 3D-printing artifacts and creating a touch collection.

Commissioners thanked Ultmans for the presentation and then moved on to committee reports and the public-comment period, which produced no attendees that evening.