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Press Release | Sept. 12, 2003

National Security Agency's National Cryptologic Museum Unveils Language Exhibit

On 15 September 2003 at 1:30 p.m., Mr. William B. Black, Jr., Deputy Director, National Security Agency (NSA), will unveil a new exhibit at the National Cryptologic Museum highlighting the critical role cryptologic language analysts play in defending our nation's security.

This new exhibit -- "NSA Works with the Most Interesting Characters" -- explains the evolution of languages and provides a synopsis of historic events shaped by intelligence gained through language translation, interpretation, and distribution. The display features an interactive kiosk that allows visitors to experience the challenge of understanding various languages. It also features a replica of the famed Rosetta Stone and explains the complex but interesting process used by language analysts in their solving of cryptologic problems. Further, it highlights some of NSA's great language analysts.

Language analysis has always been of vital importance to NSA, whose cryptologic language analysts provide our policy makers and war-fighters with the information they need in a way that allows them to maximize their efforts in defending our nation.

The National Cryptologic Museum provides a "peek behind the curtain" at the once-secret world of cryptology - the exploitation of enemy intelligence and the protection of America's most critical communications. The Museum is open to the public Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Museum is located at the intersection of Maryland Route 32 and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (I-295), adjacent to the headquarters of the National Security Agency. Admission is free.