As part of the Agency's 60th Anniversary celebration, the National Cryptologic Museum (NCM) debuted its newest exhibit, "60 Years of Cryptologic Excellence," at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, 7 November. Mr. John C. (Chris) Inglis, National Security Agency Deputy Director, hosted the event.
In his remarks to the audience, Mr. Inglis talked about the technological evolution that has happened throughout the years at NSA and in cryptology and some of the remarkable accomplishments in cryptologic history that have kept our nation and the world a safer place. He noted that it was, still is, and always will be the people behind the technology and the events at NSA that make the difference.
Among the 80 guests at the event were Helen Nibouar and Marion Johnson, former Sigaba operators from World War II. Well into their nineties, Nibouar and Johnson delighted and educated the audience at a "Machine-Side Chat," in the Magic Room by sharing their experiences sending and receiving secret messages on the Sigaba - some of these including messages to GEN Douglas MacArthur! Their remarks were informative and often humorous.
The day's events also included a panel discussion. "Sharing Perspectives, Sharing Memories," in which Dr. David Hatch, NSA historian; Norbert Szymanowski, one of NSA's first employees and now a docent at the NCM; and George Cotter, a technological expert who served at NSA for 62 years. Moderated by museum curator Patrick D. Weadon, the panelists discussed notable events and people at NSA throughout the years, technology transfer, and the Agency's mission. More photos and information about the ribbon-cutting and the day's events are posted on the NCM's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NationalCryptologicMuseum.
The National Cryptologic Museum is located at the intersection of Maryland Route 32 and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (I-295), adjacent to the headquarters of the National Security Agency. Hours of operation are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (except federal holidays), and 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month. For more information on the museum, tours, educational programs, and hours and days of operation, click on the National Cryptologic Museum tab at NSA.gov. Admission and parking are free. You can also follow the National Cryptologic Museum on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NationalCryptologicMuseum.