The National Cryptologic Museum is small facility that houses a variety of exhibits, covering a significant time period of American history. Students will see codemaking and codebreaking artifacts dating back to Thomas Jefferson. There are specific exhibits featuring quilt codes used by African-American slaves seeking their personal freedom, an actual German Engima machine from WWII, Native American Codetalkers from WWI and WWII, and the development of computers and American Information Assurance programs.
Education Department:
Topics include:
Picture Scavenger Hunt: Ages 9-11. Approximately 2 hours. Students must search the museum for exhibits pictured on a questionnaire so they can answer two accompanying questions. The hunt is followed by an answer session, where museum staff will provide additional historical information concerning each exhibit. Staff frequently asks "bonus questions" and reward correct answers with small prizes.
Questionnaire: Ages 12 and older. Approximately 2 hours. Similar to the Picture Scavenger Hunt, students search the museum for answers to specific questions. Afterwards, museum staff will go over the questionnaires and provide additional historical information concerning the exhibits.
Guided Tour: Ages 15 and older. Up to 2 hours. The tour covers cryptologic history and its role in American/world history. Special emphasis can be placed on any of the exhibit areas upon advance request.
Homeschool Programs:
Who, What, When and Where: Ages 9 - 16. Approximately 3 hours. Students search the museum to determine the "who, what, when, and where" regarding specific artifacts, people, or events. In the museum classroom, students participate in a game show format activity where they demonstrate the knowledge they've gained. Higher order thinking questions are given to older students, while basic factual questions are geared to younger children. The staff provides additional historical information throughout the class.
Information about the National Cryptologic Museum comes directly from their website.
Extend Your Field Trip Learning
Women in Cryptological History
Research notable women and African-Americans who have contributed to the field of cryptology and US national security at a time when the field was dominated by white men.
Make a Caesar Cipher
Use this free print-ready lesson plan from Purdue University to introduce cryptography with a history lesson on Ancient Rome.
German v Allied Codemaking
Watch an online hour-long CSPAN video lecture comparing WWII cryptography methods.
