Cryptologic History

"On This Date in Cryptologic History" Calendar

1980: Elizebeth Friedman Died.

Friday, October 31, 2025

31 October 1980: American Cryptologic Pioneer Elizebeth Friedman Died. Photo is from The George C. Marshall Foundation.

Elizebeth Friedman was inducted into the NSA Cryptologic Hall of Honor in 1999. Read about her life and accomplishments via the link at the end of the page to her NSA Hall of Honor page.

From the Hall of Honor: "Although she is often referred to as the wife of William Friedman, she enjoyed many successes in cryptology in her own right and has been dubbed "America's first female cryptanalyst." In fact, although her husband is credited with numerous contributions to cryptology, it was Mrs. Friedman who introduced him to the field......."

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