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Recent Exhibits

This link will be used to highlight NCM exhibits that have been recently added or changed significantly.  Links to the NCM portion of the NSA.gov web site will be provided when additional information on the exhibits is available

Exhibit titled "60 Years of Cryptologic Excellence" Unveiled (posted 11/8/12)

The NSA 60th Anniversary Invitation Only event was held at the National Cryptologic Museum on 07 November from 1400 to 1700. Guests were welcomed by the museum curator, Mr. Patrick Weadon, who introduced the keynote speaker, Mr. Chris Inglis, the Deputy Director of NSA.  

        

In honor of the event, the museum unveiled its newest exhibit "60 Years of Cryptologic Excellence". The exhibit features cryptologic artifacts from 1950 thru 2000 such as early computers and punch cards used in the 1950s, keying devices and field computers used in the 60's and 70's and personal encryption devices (read secure smart phones) from the 2000s. Mr. Inglis presided over the exhibit ribbon cutting. The exhibit also featured a special tribute to the 50th Anniversary of NSOC.

A special presentation in honor of the event was made possible by the Jeremy Bloom Wish of a Lifetime Foundation. Helen Nibouar and Marion Johnson, two friends who worked together on the SIGABA as cryptologists during World War II, have remained close friends through the years but caregiving obligations prevented them from seeing each other for the past 50 years. Helen made a wish through the Bloom Foundation to see her friend, and the wish was granted. Thanks to efforts of the NSA Office of Strategic Affairs and the Senior Living Corporation that partners with the Foundation, the ladies were reunited at the NSA 60th Anniversary celebration. A press release on their visit can be found in the Department of Defense News article.

The event closed with a panel discussion by Mr. David Hatch, Mr. Norbert "Ski" Szymanowski and Mr. George Cotter reminiscing about experiences in their long and varied careers at NSA.

SPECIAL NOTE:  When you have some time visit the NSA page on the 60th anniversary.  You will find a significant number of photos and documents highlighting events from before NSA was formed through the 2000's. 

Photos by John Garcia

John Nash Letters on Display (posted 1/28/12)

The Museum's newest exhibit, "An Inquisitive Mind: John Nash Letters," features copies of correspondence between Dr. John Nash, the mathematical genius, and the National Security Agency from the 1950's when he was developing his ideas on an encryption-decryption machine.   Russell Crowe portrayed John Nash in the movie "A Beautiful Mind".  Complete copies of Nash's letters are available for review in the museum's library and on the museum's web page.