National Cryptologic Museum

National Cryptologic Museum The National Cryptologic Museum preserves and showcases unique cryptologic treasures. Cryptology...the art and science of codes and ciphers.

It provides educational programming and resources to educate people about cryptologic history in the U.S. The National Cryptologic Museum houses the most amazing collection of stories and artifacts that tell the intriguing and exciting history of American cryptology. Here visitors catch a glimpse of some of the most dramatic moments in the history of American cryptology. For the visitor, some even

ts in American and world history will take on a new meaning when they discover how the work of cryptologists saved tens of thousands of lives and contributed to achieving victories on our Nation's battlefields. For the cryptologic professional, the Museum is an opportunity to absorb the rich heritage of the profession. The National Cryptologic Museum is also the first and only completely public museum in the Intelligence Community. It hosts approximately 70,000 visitors annually from around the over the world, allowing them a peek into the secret world of codemaking and codebreaking. The Museum is an invaluable educational venue, benefiting thousands of students and teachers every year through guided tours and educational programs. The Museum Library is also an unmatched resource for students, teachers, authors, historians, and researchers of cryptology and the people and events that made history.

On August 26, 1892 one of America’s greatest cryptologic pioneers, Elizebeth Smith Friedman was born.Long before compute...
08/26/2026

On August 26, 1892 one of America’s greatest cryptologic pioneers, Elizebeth Smith Friedman was born.

Long before computers, she used pure mathematical logic and language pattern recognition to break codes during WWI, crack Prohibition-era bootlegger spy networks, and smash N**i spy rings during WWII.

Exclusively on display at the NCM; a temporary exhibit featuring authentic ciphers Elizebeth personally worked on.

You can explore more of her fascinating legacy online, our archives feature her personal journal entries, hand-written letters, and original cryptanalytic notes.

https://www.nsa.gov/museum/

🚨 MAINTENANCE NOTE| The NCM will be closed Monday, September 7th through Thursday, September 10th for scheduled maintena...
08/24/2026

🚨 MAINTENANCE NOTE| The NCM will be closed Monday, September 7th through Thursday, September 10th for scheduled maintenance.

We will reopen Friday, September 11th at 10am.

🚨🗓 SAVE THE DATE!| Join us for the 12th Annual STEM Fest! Dive into a world of discovery where science, technology, engi...
08/16/2026

🚨🗓 SAVE THE DATE!| Join us for the 12th Annual STEM Fest! Dive into a world of discovery where science, technology, engineering, and math come to life!

Get ready for hands-on exhibits, exciting activities, and industry experts that will spark your curiosity and creativity. This isn’t just an event; it’s an adventure for the whole family!

More: https://www.facebook.com/events/1094098823288415/

in 1982, National Navajo Code Talkers Day was established to honor the Native American warriors whose unbreakable code...
08/14/2026

in 1982, National Navajo Code Talkers Day was established to honor the Native American warriors whose unbreakable codes helped win WWI and WWII.

From the original 29 Navajo Marines recruited in May 1942 to campaigns across the Pacific, Code Talkers transmitted critical wartime messages without a single error or code breach.

Discover their legacy at the National Cryptologic Museum. Our exhibit features an authentic Code Talker uniform and other details about their service.

Can't visit in person? Explore our digital photo archives: https://5099.sydneyplus.com/final/Portal/Default.aspx?lang=en-US

in 1981, IBM released the IBM PC, sparking a personal computing revolution! While PCs hit living rooms, codebreakers r...
08/12/2026

in 1981, IBM released the IBM PC, sparking a personal computing revolution!

While PCs hit living rooms, codebreakers relied on room-sized titans like the Cray-1 & Cray-2.

The Cray-2 ran so hot its circuits were fully submerged in a liquid coolant called Fluorinert!

Crazy thought: The smartphone in your hand today is 5,000x faster than a CRAY supercomputer and fits in your pocket! (The CRAY is several thousand pounds)!

Come see these giant pieces of computing history up close at the National Cryptologic Museum admission is always FREE!

Ever heard the nickname, "No Such Agency?" The NSA has been shrouded in mystery since its inception, many people ask, “W...
08/10/2026

Ever heard the nickname, "No Such Agency?" The NSA has been shrouded in mystery since its inception, many people ask, “What exactly does the NSA do?”

This one-of-a-kind exhibit uses artifacts gathered from the Agency’s spaces to take people, “Behind the Fenceline,” shedding light on what happens inside NSA offices.... revealing a world that's surprisingly normal and incredibly fascinating.

MORE: https://www.nsa.gov/Press-Room/News-Highlights/Article/Article/4499608/new-temporary-exhibit-takes-visitors-behind-the-fenceline/

🎉Happy Birthday to us! 🥳 This week, in 1993 the National Cryptologic Museum first opened to NSA employees and other memb...
07/15/2026

🎉Happy Birthday to us! 🥳 This week, in 1993 the National Cryptologic Museum first opened to NSA employees and other members of the intelligence community! Check out this throwback photo!

We opened to the public later that year... now, the NCM hosts approximately 70,000 visitors annually, allowing them a peek into the secret world of codemaking and codebreaking!

https://www.nsa.gov/museum/

As the gateway to the stories of America's secrets, the National Cryptologic Museum allows a peek into the people, equip...
07/13/2026

As the gateway to the stories of America's secrets, the National Cryptologic Museum allows a peek into the people, equipment, and events that have played a role in cryptologic history.

From America's first spy ring under George Washington to breaking the German's WWII Enigma machine...from the Hotline to Moscow through the development of supercomputers, the NCM brings it all out from the veil of secrecy and into the open!

Come visit us this summer!

https://www.nsa.gov/museum/

In honor of Independence Day, the will be closed Friday, July 3rd and Saturday, July 4th. Enjoy the Holiday weekend.
07/02/2026

In honor of Independence Day, the will be closed Friday, July 3rd and Saturday, July 4th.

Enjoy the Holiday weekend.

Address

8290 Colony Seven Road
Annapolis Junction, MD
20701

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+13016885849

Website

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