As part of the Westfield Historical Society’s First Wednesday Luncheon series, Sam Mahmoud will be presenting a talk on most infamous Cambridge spy rings that operated out of Britain, the USA, and the Soviet Union before World War II, during the War, and throughout the Cold War. The event will begin at 11:45 a.m., on April 4, 2018, at the Echo Lake Country Club, located at 515 Springfield Avenue, Westfield, New Jersey.
During the period from 1936 to 1963, the Cambridge and Rosenberg spy rings were two notorious spy rings that were recruited by the Soviet Union’s intelligence agencies; the NKVD and the KGB. All the members of these spy rings were volunteering to spy for the Soviet Unions for free, no rewards, financially or otherwise. The British segment was operating from their perch in the highly sensitive positions in the British Government. The segment operating in the United States was focused on gathering secret scientific research. Both the British and American spy rings involved recruiting five members by the Soviet Union. The British organization came to be known as the Cambridge spy ring as all the spies came from aristocratic families who attended the prestigious Cambridge University, and the American segment was known as the Rosenberg spy ring, which was composed mainly of middle class individuals and scientists who were involved in the Los Alamos project for building the first atomic bomb.
This presentation will deal only with the Cambridge ring, as the Rosenberg spy ring will be covered in a future presentation.
Mahmoud is a member and trustee of the Westfield Historical Society. This will be his 16th lecture on History and World Civilizations for Westfield Historical Society members along with other organizations such as Rotary clubs, churches, and several other organizations over the years. Mahmoud has been a world traveler, lecturer, columnist and student of histories and cultures of many countries. He has written and published numerous columns and articles about history, politics, current events, and editorial letters in major state newspapers including the Home News Tribune, the Courier News and the Star Ledger, which designated Mahmoud as one of its honor roll writers.
Those wishing to attend the luncheon may make a reservation by calling Carol at 908-654-1794, by noon Friday, March 30th, 2018. The luncheon fee of $35 (WHS members) or $40 (non-members) includes a three-course meal, coffee/tea, and gratuity. The luncheon fee may be paid at the door. Westfield Historical Society memberships will also be available at the luncheon.
For Echo Lake County Club dress code information, visit: echolakecc.org/club.
The Westfield Historical Society is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Since 1968, the 501(c)(3) non-profit Westfield Historical Society has worked to preserve, interpret and encourage interest in history, Westfield, and its residents through educational efforts and community outreach programs.
For further information on the Westfield Historical Society and its activities, or to volunteer, call 908—654-1794 or visit westfieldhistoricalsociety.org and like us on Facebook!
(above) Sam Mahmoud, speaker.
