Ghost Army at State Museum

Exploring the story of the US Army’s first mobile, multimedia tactical deception unit, this major traveling exhibit at the State Museum reveals how the “Ghost Army” used creativity, illusion, and innovation to mislead German forces during the final year of World War II. Activated on January 20, 1944, the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops consisted of artists, engineers, soldiers, and draftees who employed inflatable tanks, fake radio transmissions, sound effects, and visual deception to simulate entire divisions and protect Allied troops across Europe. The exhibit examines themes such as military innovation, tactical deception, secrecy during wartime, and the contributions of artists and creative thinkers to the Allied war effort. Aaron Noble, Senior Historian and Curator of Political and Military History at the Museum, discusses the exhibit with Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.