Annapolis Junction, Maryland - National Cryptologic Museum

Cryptology is a secret world. Success, if it is to endure, must be hidden. The actors in the drama, like deep cover agents, normally remain anonymous. The National Cryptologic Museum provides a "peek behind the curtain" at a once-secret world -- the exploitation of enemy cryptology and the protection of American communications.

At the National Cryptologic Museum, visitors can glimpse some of the dramatic moments in the history of American cryptology. The people who devoted their lives to cryptology and national defense, the machines they built, the techniques they used, and the places where they worked, are on display. For the visitor, some events in American history will take on a new meaning. For the cryptologic professional, it is an opportunity to absorb the heritage of the profession.

Museum visitors are provided a brochure which addresses displays and enables them to take a self-guided tour. Guided tours may also be scheduled. [John Wray, 04/26/2001]

[RA: This museum opened in 1993 in the old Colony 7 Motel. Next to it is the National Vigilance Park and the Aerial Reconnaissance Memorial, where a C-130 plane reminds us of when the Soviets shot one of ours down over Armenia in 1958.]