On the 4th of July, 2026, the United States celebrates a monumental milestone, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence! This isn't just a birthday bash; it's an opportunity to reflect on our nation's extraordinary journey and the brilliant Americans who've shaped our collective story.
Communication is the lifeblood of every society. Our new exhibit whisks you away on a thrilling adventure through time, showcasing the evolution of communication technology.
Witness pivotal moments that have defined our nation's history, one secret message at a time.
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The Royal Enigma: Feast your eyes on the *never-before-seen* Secret Correspondence of Louis XV. This 18th-century encrypted communication offers a tantalizing glimpse into the world of regal intrigue.
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The State Secret: Marvel at John H. Haswell's cipher from the Department of State. This 19th-century artifact is a testament to the ingenuity of early American cryptographers.
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Flags of Secrecy: Discover the hidden language of signal flags, a revolutionary way to communicate at sea that forever changed naval warfare.
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Dots and Dashes: Step into the world of Morse code, the groundbreaking invention that shrank the world and accelerated the pace of life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
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Cold War Ciphers: Experience the tension of the Cold War era with the Fortezza crypto card, a cutting-edge relic from a time when technology was racing forward at breakneck speed.
Join us on this cryptic journey through 250 years of secrets. Who knows? You might just crack the code of history yourself!
The National Cryptologic Museum is open Tues-Friday and the first Saturday of the month from 10am-4pm.
Admission is free, reservations are not required. For more information on scheduling a visit or a field trip visit nsa.gov/museum/