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The National Cryptologic Museum is open free of charge to the general public, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., and the first and third Saturday’s of each month from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

There are two programs staffed by volunteers that will help make your Museum visit more enjoyable, interesting, and educational – the Docent Program and the Receptionist Program.

Docent Program

The National Cryptologic Museum’s docent program is critical to the operation of the facility. Visitors to the museum consistently remark that the NCM’s tour guides are what set the facility apart from other intelligence and defense related museums.

All NCM docents are former NSA employees. This fact not only allows them to better understand the parameters they need to operate under from a security perspective but, also allows them to enthrall their audiences with their own personal cryptologic experiences.

Scheduling a tour is easy. The only requirement is that a group must have at least 6 people. Each tour takes approximately 90 minutes (The times are flexible), to schedule a tour call 301-688-5849.

In addition to scheduled tours the aforementioned docents also take walk in tours on an as needed basis. Keep in mind that we cannot guarantee a tour to any visitor without it being scheduled in advance. NCM Docents work hard to accommodate museum customers, but it is always best to make tour arrangements prior to your arrival.

The NCM is always looking for outstanding individuals to join our docent corps. In order to be a part of our team you need to be a retired NSA employee with an interest in presenting cryptologic history to a wide range of domestic and international audiences. Training is provided. If you are interested please contact the NCM curator, Mr. Patrick D. Weadon at 310-688-5849.

Receptionist Program

The NCMF provided the services of volunteer receptionists for the Museum from August 2003 to August 2009 when responsibility for the program were transferred to the Museum. Duties of the receptionists include: greeting museum visitors, advising of the availability of docent tours, providing information on the purpose of the NCMF, and answering general questions asked by the public. This is a terrific opportunity to volunteer in a friendly place and to become more aware of the history of signals intelligence and information assurance. The hours are from approximately 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the first and third Saturday of the month.  If you are interested, please contact the NCM.