The
National Security Agency was created in November 1952
and has provided timely information to U.S. decision
makers and military leaders for more than 50 years. However,
even before President Truman signed the memorandum establishing
the Agency, pioneer cryptologists laid the groundwork
for an organization that would play a critical role in
the outcome of all major conflicts. Cryptologist legends
such as William and Elizebeth Friedman, Frank Rowlett,
Agnes Meyer Discoll and Herbert O. Yardley are remembered
for their brilliant contributions but thousands of other
men and women have quietly served their country altering
the course of this nation’s history and ensuring
a free and safe America. The history of cryptology is
their story.
The NSA/CSS boasts a rich heritage and the people who have served their country in any cryptologic capacity understand a legacy unknown to most Americans. From pre-WWI efforts to the most recent conflicts, this nation’s cryptologists have been there quietly protecting and exploiting signal intelligence.
Their efforts and the use of radio intercept, radio direction finding, and processing capabilities gave the United States and its Allies a unique advantage in WWI. The lessons learned here and advances in technology played a critical role in the cryptologic successes in WWII. It was finally realized that cryptanalysts needed to be coordinated under one agency so the Armed Forces Security Agency was formed in 1949. The mission of this newly created agency was to conduct communications intelligence and communications security activities within the National Military Establishment.
However, with its restrictive organizational structure and a lack of a central agency for cryptologic efforts, AFSA could not achieve its mission. It had merely become the military branch for cryptology. The agency was therefore redesigned and all cryptologic activities both military and nonmilitary were brought together to form the National Security Agency.
Since its inception, the Agency has taken responsibility for securing the nation’s communications while exploiting foreign signals intelligence. Although inherently a secret business, a public museum devoted to the history of cryptologists and their work opened to the public in December 1993. Memorabilia ranging from the German Enigma to the recently declassified Cray computer decorate the museum hallways. The National Cryptologic Museum attempts to pull back the veil of secrecy and gives visitors an insight into the history of making and breaking codes. Visitors can get a feel for the legacy and rich heritage that is the cornerstone of the National Security Agency.