Behind the Scenes: Museum Captures Histories and Makes New Friends at AFNA Conference

DEA Museum staff attended the 2022 Association of Federal Narcotics Agents (AFNA) National Conference October 25-28 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Over 180 current and former DEA employees and spouses joined in the activities. The agenda was packed with Agent of the Year presentations, and this year, AFNA recognized three special agents for outstanding investigations.

At the opening breakfast, Chief of Operations Ray Donovan gave an overview of DEA’s current work – successes and challenges. Museum Director Jan Wrzesinski then briefed attendees on the newly-renovated Museum’s first year of operations, including the development of new educational programs and a refreshed traveling exhibit, Drugs: Costs and Consequences. She also spoke about a soon-to-be-released exhibit geared toward teens.

During the conference, Museum staff recorded interviews with many former agents for the Museum’s growing oral history collection. These stories and remembrances will be used for research and education, forever etching them into DEA’s history.

“It was an honor to meet so many wonderful people,” said Wrzesinski. “The stories they tell speak to the dedication they put forth during their careers as well as the continued interest and support they show DEA in the present. Museum staff look forward to collecting as many of these stories as we can in 2023.”

Next year, when DEA turns 50, the Museum will share excerpts of these histories online and on-site.