Purpose of this Work
Our work includes supporting events like the biennial Cryptologic History Symposium, hosted by the NSA’s Center for Cryptologic History, which brings together experts from across the defense, academic, and intelligence communities. These gatherings provide a platform for sharing unclassified and declassified scholarship, sparking meaningful discussions about cryptology’s role in shaping the world.
About the Center for Cryptologic History
The Center for Cryptologic History (CCH) is a program of the National Security Agency, established in 1989 to preserve and advance the study of cryptology. While it is not a program of the NCF, we share a close working relationship, collaborating to support events, publications, and initiatives that deepen public understanding of cryptologic history.
The CCH maintains authoritative records, produces in-depth analysis, and serves as a resource to the NSA, Department of Defense, other government agencies, academia, and the public. Through its work, the Center fosters appreciation for the profession, preserves the contributions of cryptologic pioneers, and ensures the relevance of cryptology in today’s evolving security landscape.
PRIOR PROGRAMS
May 11-12, 2022 | 18th Cryptologic History Symposium
The theme for the 18th Cryptologic History Symposium, held May 11-12, 2022, was “Icons and Innovation.”
In today’s world of high-tech cryptology, artificial intelligence, and cyber security, it is easy to forget that behind every new technological development are people who conceived of, built, and continuously improved upon the tools and technologies available today. The stories of these people provide us with lessons, insights, and inspiration. Many have already become icons in cryptology, but there are others whose stories have yet to be told. Innovation, the introduction of something new or a new idea, method, or device has been the hallmark of cryptology for centuries. The stories of both successful, and unsuccessful, cryptologic innovations can provide context to past events, a better understanding of the present, and a path toward a more secure future.
The 2022 Cryptologic History Symposium was held virtually via Microsoft Teams Live Events. View the final program here.
October 17-18, 2019 | 17th Cryptologic History Synposium
The theme for the 17th Cryptologic History Symposium on October 17-18, 2019 was “From Discovery to Discourse.” Since 1990, the Symposium has served as an opportunity to present historical discoveries found in unclassified and declassified Intelligence Community records and engage in scholarly discussion about their significance to cryptologic history. The 2019 Symposium program offered over 20 educational sessions led by over 65 speakers. Topics included cryptologic history related to World War I and II, the Cold War, communications security, cyberspace and technology, international and diplomatic relations, counterintelligence and espionage, declassification and public engagement, and more.
October 2017 | 16th Cryptologic History Symposium
The theme for the 2017 Symposium was “Milestones, Memories, and Momentum.” There were many milestones to mark in 2017: the 160th anniversary of the first attempt to span the Atlantic with a telegraph cable, 100 years since both the entry of the United States into World War I and the Russian October Revolution, and 75 years after the World War II battles of Coral Sea and Midway. The Symposium took place in October 2017, just a few months before the 50th anniversary of the Tet Offensive in Vietnam, and during the 25th year after the fall of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War.
October 2015 | 15th Cryptologic History Symposium
The theme for the 2015 Symposium was “A Century of Cryptology.” As we mark the centenary years of World War I (1914–1918), when so many significant advancements occurred in the field of cryptology, we examine the impact cryptologists made throughout the twentieth century, especially during such periods as World War II, the Cold War, the Korean War, the War in Vietnam, and the post-Cold War era. The Symposium included panels that look at the foundations of cryptology before the “Great War.”
October 2013 | 14th Cryptologic History Symposium
The theme for the 2013 Symposium was “Technologic Change and Cryptography: Meeting the Historical Challenge.” The keynote address was given by Mr. Chris Inglis, then Deputy Director of NSA. Present at the Symposium were scholars from around the world and the presentations were wide ranging. Examples include: Intelligence Preparation for the Next War, Cipher Systems and Methods, Cryptology as Musical Entertainment, Cryptology in the Ancient World, Bletchley Park Celebrated, and COMINT and the Civil War.