My introduction to James Bond was through the movies, but eventually I started reading the novels, including Raymond Benson’s Zero Minus Ten after returning from an extensive reporting trip to Hong Kong in 1996, long before I met Raymond. I have produced several long and short stories about Ian Fleming and James Bond during my 30 years reporting for WGN-TV Chicago, including a segment with Doug Redenius driving alongside farm fields in the gun-mounted Jaguar XKR from Die Another Day.

As Executive Producer of my history show, Backstory, I have been astounded to discover how much history has been lost, whether historic buildings to the wrecking ball of “progress,” or documents damaged or lost through carelessness. It is imperative to preserve history of not just war and politics, but culture. Bond has had an enormous impact on culture and I am proud to be a member of the team trying to preserve the Bond literature and artifacts.

Through more exhibits like 007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond, I hope we can inspire people to engage in literature, science, and global affairs. These subjects can be dry and complicated, but the creators of Bond bring them to life in a way that could be used to educate the public about the critical thinking tools needed in espionage as well as their own lives.