• 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.

1950: ATLAS became operational.

Tuesday, December 1, 2020

1 December 1950: ATLAS, the first U.S. cryptologic computer, became operational.

The excerpt below if from the Center for Cryptologic History's brochure titled, "Cryptology's Role in the Early Development of Computer Capabilities in the United States."

"By 1948 ERA (Engineering Research Associates) had received the go-ahead on task order 13, which required them to produce a full-scale digital computer for the Navy. It resulted in a computer called ATLAS, which was delivered to the Nebraska Avenue location and put into operation in 1950. ATLAS was a formidable machine that used 24-bit words and required over 2,500 vacuum tubes. Two ATLAS 1 and two ATLAS II systems (a more advanced 32-bit machine with two-address logic) were delivered between 1950 and 1954, and all were used on operational problems. As with COLOSSUS, these were not experiments, they were full-scale, reliable, operational machines that were used by cryptologists in their daily work. ERA also built other systems and subsystems for the cryptologic community. In particular, they were pioneers in the development and use of magnetic drum memories."

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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.