The National Cryptologic Museum is located in Anne Arundel County, adjacent to the NSA Headquarters at Fort George G. Meade in Annapolis Junction, Maryland. The original intention of the museum was to provide a place for the National Security Agency to house artifacts and to give employees a place to remember and reflect. It quickly grew into such a priceless collection that it was opened to the public in 1993 and has had a very warm and positive reception from the community. As one of the first public museums within the Intelligence community, it provides a place for people to learn and interact with exhibits that showcase the role of cryptology in the United States and in our world.
Behind the walls of this museum are thousands of artifacts that tell the stories of the people, machines, and techniques involved in the rich heritage of codemaking and code-breaking. Ciphers and codes have been used since the Renaissance and have been an invaluable part of the history of the United States. Cryptology played a pivotal role in the American Revolution and has been changing and evolving throughout the history of our country right up to the present era of cybersecurity.
Inside the Cryptologic Museum, you will be able to explore exhibits dedicated to hobo codes of Depression-era America, Enigma machines of WWII, Women in American Cryptology, a 16th-century book on cryptology and so much more. There are several activities to engage and entertain children as well as they explore and learn.
The Museum offers Free Cell Phone Audio Tours, Scavenger Hunt Programs for school groups and special programs for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to earn badges. With free admission and convenient parking, this is an engaging and educational place for visitors of all ages, and was also named one of the Eight Great Places to Soak up Historic Annapolis Attractions for Free!
Videography courtesy of Patrick McNamara of Drawn to the Image
