• EDUCATE
    EDUCATE

    ...our citizens to be cyber smart, and develop pathways for the future cyber workforce.

  • ENGAGE
    ENGAGE

    ...and convene partners to address emerging cyber and cryptologic issues.

  • COMMEMORATE
    COMMEMORATE

    ...our cryptologic history & those who served within the cryptologic community.

THE NCF VISION

Advance the nation’s interest in cyber and cryptology through leadership, education, and partnerships.

1917: William Friedman & Elizebeth Smith married.

Friday, May 21, 2021

21 May 1917: William F. Friedman and Elizebeth Smith were married. This cryptologic power couple is well known for their significant pioneering contributions in the field of cryptology. Elizebeth S. Friedman is often referred to as (North) America's first female cryptanalyst. It was Elizebeth who introduced her husband to the field of cryptology. Although neither planned on a career in codebreaking, there were few ciphers that were indecipherable for the couple. William Friedman went on to be recognized as the greatest maker and breaker of secret messages. Much of what is done today at NSA can be traced to William Friedman's pioneering efforts.

On 30 October 1992, the NSA's Center for Cryptologic History published, "The Friedman Legacy: A Tribute to William and Elizebeth Friedman" which includes transcripts of the famed "Friedman Lectures." To listen to the audio collection or view transcripts, click the link below.

The George C. Marshall Foundation opened an exhibit, "Partners in Code: William and Elizebeth Friedman" in April 2015 as part of their Legacy Series: Codebreaking.

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  • The first hire at SIS was Annie Louise Newkirk, hired as a cryptographic clerk. Interesting note, when a phone call came in for someone working in the vault room, Ms. Newkirk would buzz the back room using a Morse code equivalent for the first initial of the individual's name. In honor of Women's History Month - click to learn about more female cryptologic pioneers!

About Us

The NCF's Vision is to strengthen trust in the digital ecosystem.

The NCF Mission: Advance the nation’s interest in cyber and cryptology as we:

Educate citizens to be cyber smart individuals, 

Develop pathways for the future cyber and cryptologic workforce, 

Engage and convene partners to address emerging cyber and cryptologic issues and, 

Commemorate our cryptologic history and those who served. 

The Foundation provides exceptional cryptologic programs, encourages young minds to learn about cryptology and to explore cyber-related career opportunities, hosts educational, cryptology-related exhibits at various community events, and honors the people— past and present—whose contributions to our national security protect and make possible our way of life.

The NCF also provides needed support to the National Cryptologic Museum (NCM), the first public museum in the U.S. Intelligence Community. Located adjacent to the National Security Agency (NSA) in Maryland, the NCM houses a unique and 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 NCF has acquired rare and invaluable artifacts for the Museum and helps to support new educational and interactive exhibits.

The NCF is a 501(c)(3) organization.

Learn more about our MISSION, VISION, and VALUES.