Welcome to the National Cryptologic Museum Foundation. The NCMF directly supports the National Cryptologic Museum (NCM), the first public museum in the U.S. Intelligence Community.
Did you know?
Polish mathematicians & code breakers made the first breakthroughs against Nazi Germany's Enigma code.......
Anniversary of NCM Opening to Public
17 Dec 1993: The National Cryptologic Museum opened to the public. Read about the Museum's History.
Did you know that ....It was captured Axis cryptographic equipment that became the basis for a small and little known Research and Development Museum collection (RDM) that was the NCM’s precursor?
William F. Friedman and Lambros Callimahos (who set up his own makeshift office museum) originally cared for the equipment. Then in 1970, Earl J. Coates, NSA’s first curator, set up museum-like exhibits in the lobby of NSA headquarters.
When the old Colony 7 Motel adjacent to NSA was purchased in the spring of 1990, Vice Admiral William O. Studeman, then-Agency director, was the first to suggest it be used as an NSA-operated museum.
The Museum initially opened on 15 July 1993 for NSA employees and families, as well as members of the Intelligence Community. But once the Museum opened to the public in December 1993, media interest and attendance boomed. Requests for interviews poured in and stories appeared in outlets all over the world. About 10,000 visitors stopped by that first year, a remarkable number considering the museum’s furtive beginning. The photo shown here is of the Museum in 1993 when it was a one-room open exhibit area.
Check out the plans for the new museum and Cyber Center for Education and Innovation via the link below.
Explore What's New
-
Click to see recap & photos.
FROM THE
On This Day In History
Calendar
-
12 Nov 1917: AEF Radio Intelligence Section opened an intercept site at Souilly, France. In the first month of continuous 24-hour operation, the station recorded a total of 393 messages and 1,173 calls which were turned over to the RIS for training purposes. Click on the date to learn more.
About Us
The NCMF directly supports the National Cryptologic Museum (NCM), the first public museum in the U.S. Intelligence Community. We think you will agree it is truly a "museum like no other."
Located adjacent to the National Security Agency (NSA) in Maryland, the NCM houses a priceless collection of artifacts that represent our Nation's history in code making and code breaking, as well as a world class library of cryptologic media. The NCMF acquires the best artifacts for the NCM and supports new educational and interactive exhibits.
The NCMF provides exceptional cryptologic programs throughout the year, encourages young minds to explore cryptology and innovation through valued awards, and hosts educational, cryptology-related exhibits at various community events.
As part of the Foundation's partnership with NSA to build the Cyber Center for Education and Innovation - Home of the National Cryptologic Museum (CCEI-NCM), the NCMF also serves as a leader in the field of cybersecurity - striving to provide the best in educational resources and programs.
The NCMF and NCM share a joint three-fold mission to Educate, Stimulate, and Commemorate. Learn more about our MISSION.
