Oct. 12, 2021

Long lost and rare Italian cipher machine found

At the outbreak of WWII in 1939, Nazi Germany’s Enigma encryption machine stood as the state-of-the art method for sending and receiving secret messages. It wasn’t until 1940 that English mathematician Alan Turing, and the team at Bletchley Park, cracked the daily changes Berlin made to its cipher system, and helped the Allied powers win the war. While the Enigma stands out as the most famous of encryption machines, Italy, set out to develop a high-end machine to rival its war partner, Germany. In 1939 Italy’s government secretly tasked a little-known photogrammetric equipment company, Ottico Meccanica Italiana (OMI), to build a device capable of rivaling its more famous cousin. Founded in 1926, OMI’s tools were used to create precision topographical maps and surveys using stereoscopic aerial photography. The technical expertise made OMI a natural fit for the job. The end result was OMI’s first cipher machine known as the Cryptograph Alpha.

April 12, 2021

National Cryptologic Museum: A Reimagined Experience of Cryptologic History

FORT MEADE, Md. — The National Cryptologic Museum (NCM) is working on overdrive creating a reimagined experience of cryptologic history for first-time and repeat visitors alike.

Nov. 20, 2020

From Soldier to Scholar: Vince Houghton Named Director of National Cryptologic Museum

FORT MEADE, Md. — NSA’s National Cryptologic Museum (NCM) is thriving and plans to keep growing as it welcomes a new Director. As the Agency’s principle gateway to the public, the museum has accelerated its virtual outreach efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, proving you don’t have to leave home to enjoy its treasures.

Sept. 3, 2020

NSA, National Cryptologic Museum Foundation Reveal Design Plans for State-of-the-Art Cyber Center for Education and Innovation

FORT MEADE, Md. — When NSA and the National Cryptologic Museum Foundation (NCMF) break ground on the proposed Cyber Center for Education and Innovation (CCEI) on the campus of NSA-Washington (NSAW), it will culminate many years of hard work and commitment shared by the two partners.

May 18, 2019

NSA Celebrates America’s Armed Forces & Police at the National Cryptologic Museum

FORT MEADE, Md. — More than 1,300 people attended NSA's 2019 Armed Forces & National Police Celebration at the National Cryptologic Museum. Visitors enjoyed a variety of activities that included brain twisters by NSA’s K-12 Outreach, martial arts demonstrations and face painting by U.S. Marines, military and police working dog demonstrations, weapons displays by military and NSA Police, and World War II displays.

May 7, 2018

National Cryptologic Museum To Celebrate "America's Sons & Daughters" at Armed Forces and National Police Celebration

The annual Armed Forces & National Police Celebration will be held at the National Cryptologic Museum (NCM) in Annapolis Junction, Maryland, on Saturday, May 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Nov. 7, 2017

STEM Night Returning to the National Cryptologic Museum

The National Cryptologic Museum (NCM) is excited to host its third annual STEM Festival on Thursday, 9 November, from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Loads of educational, hands-on activities will challenge children's abilities in science, technology, engineering, and math. The event is part of the Third Annual Maryland STEM Fest.

Nov. 2, 2017

Five Pioneers Inducted into the NSA/CSS Cryptologic Hall of Honor

FORT MEADE, Md. — On November 2, 2017, five cryptologic pioneers were inducted into the NSA/CSS Cryptologic Hall of Honor at the National Security Agency.

July 14, 2017

Decoding the Great War

The National Cryptologic Museum hosts enthusiasts for a discussion on the role of cryptology in World War I.

July 12, 2017

National Cryptologic Museum Debuts Service & Sacrifice, Real Time Regional Gateway Exhibits

The National Cryptologic Museum's two newest exhibits, 'Service and Sacrifice' and 'Real Time Regional Gateway,' include stories of some of the ultimate sacrifices made on the land, in the sea, and in the air by cryptologists in uniform, while also presenting actions the National Security Agency (NSA) has taken to protect the lives of front-line troops.