The document summarizes the National Cryptologic Museum located in Annapolis Junction, Maryland. It was originally designed for NSA employees but opened to the public in 1993. The museum houses a collection of artifacts related to U.S. intelligence work including declassified reports from World War II and commercial codebooks. It also contains materials from historian David Kahn and unclassified writings that provide historical context on the role of cryptology.

1. BALTIMORE
A Different Experience
By Travelbystander.com

2. BALTIMORE

3. Baltimore
Baltimore is the state of Maryland’s largest city
(though fondly referred to as “The Greatest City in
America”), and is located 38 miles northeast of North
America’s capital, Washington, D.C.
It is famous for its picturesque harbour, diverse and
distinct neighbourhoods, generous helping of
interesting museums, and for being home to the
world famous John Hopkins Hospital. It is also where
“The Star Spangled Banner”, America’s national
anthem, was penned, later to be set to music, by
lawyer Francis Scott Key during the 1814 battle of
Baltimore, while waiting on board a British ship to
negotiate the release of a prisoner. Amazing how
inspiration can kick in when you least expect it.

4. As I mentioned, Baltimore is jam-packed with
interesting historical museums, ranging from the
Maryland Museum of Military History and the
Historical Ships in Baltimore Museum, to the Maryland
Historical Society Museum, but equally interesting
and, perhaps, slightly off the regular tourist radar, is
the National Cryptologic Museum.
The museum, located on 8290 Colony Seven Rd,
Annapolis Junction, is associated with the National
Security Agency (NSA) and houses a fascinating
collection of thousands of artefacts that pertain to
intelligence work in the United States.
The museum was originally designed to give
employees a chance to think on past achievements
and failures, but rapidly developed into an
invaluable showcase of America’s cryptology history.
It opened its doors to the curious public in 1993,
allowing visitors a tantalizing peek into the secret
world of code breaking and code making.

5. In its collection are masses of declassified reports
relating to World War II, as well as an enormous
collection of the commercial codebooks that were
used to provide some measure of trade secrets
security. Modern encryption methods have made
these books obsolete now, but they remain really
interesting from a historical point of view. As you can
imagine, the most popular library items include
declassified documents – state secrets finally
decoded and revealed!
The museum collection almost doubled in size with a
gift from David Kahn, the leading historian of
cryptology and author of The Codebreakers. The
fascinating works range from the first printed book on
cryptology to Kahn's interview notes with modern
cryptologists.

6. There are also a few unclassified monographs
available to the public in the Museum Library, which
cover a wide range of cryptologic subjects, from
experimental, early American ciphers to the Vietnam
War. A lot of the monographs were written and
published by the NSA's Center for Cryptologic History,
and go into far greater depth than the museum’s
pamphlets and exhibits, offering a wider
understanding of the role that cryptology has played
in world history.
The Museum Library’s hours can vary, so it’s best to
call ahead (301-688-2145).
The Museum also has a shop (the NSA Civilian
Welfare Fund Gift Shop) that stocks interesting
merchandise, ranging from books and videos
relating to the science and art of cryptology to NSA
logo items.