Annapolis Junction

A specific place to visit in Annapolis Junction is the National Cryptologic Museum. It connects the history of cryptology with tours and educational programs. It is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed on Sundays, Mondays, and federal holidays. Check the schedule before your visit. The address is 8290 Colony Seven Road, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701; it is not a mailing address.

The Collection and History of Cryptology

The National Cryptologic Museum houses thousands of artifacts that help preserve the history of the cryptologic profession. The collection includes the German Enigma machine, which was used by the German Army, German Navy, and Luftwaffe during World War II. The Bombe is also part of the collection: the United States used later versions to decrypt German military messages. These two examples illustrate different aspects of the history of cryptology—the use of the Enigma by German forces and the decryption work carried out with later versions of the Bombe.

The institution’s history also includes the museum library, which has been in operation since the museum opened in 1993. It maintains an interactive database featuring photographs of artifacts, as well as unclassified and declassified books and documents on all aspects of cryptology.

Tours and Educational Programs

The museum offers entertaining, fact-filled tours presented by current and former NSA employees. The American Cryptologic History Tour uses artifacts and stories to recount the roles, people, and machines of American cryptologic history. It lasts 60 to 90 minutes. The Women in Cryptology Tour focuses on the role of women in American cryptologic history, from the American Revolution to today’s cybersecurity, and lasts 60 minutes.

On the Advancing Technology Tour, museum exhibits and artifacts illustrate the interplay between advances in cryptology and technology. This tour also lasts 60 minutes and is limited to groups of 6 to 20 people. The three tours therefore differ both in their subject matter and in their stated duration. Some groups are expected to make an appointment in advance.

For school field trips, the museum offers educational programs for grades 4 through 12. It also has interactive badge and pin programs for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. In this way, the offerings range from historical narratives and technological connections to programs for school classes and Scout groups.

Nature and Regional History

Located near Annapolis Junction, Patuxent Research Refuge was established to protect wildlife and natural habitats through research. The refuge covers 13,000 acres of forest, meadows, and wetlands. Its North Tract offers 25 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as a peaceful atmosphere. The South Tract adds five miles of walking trails and two scenic lakes to the region’s natural attractions. The tracts therefore differ in the activities and landscape experiences described.

Railroad history also provides a historical connection to the area. The Annapolis & Elkridge Steam Railroad was founded in 1837 and opened in 1840. Its completed line ran eight miles from West Street in the city of Annapolis to Annapolis Junction. There, it connected to the B&O line between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. These historical dates place Annapolis Junction within an earlier connection between Annapolis and the railway line between the two cities.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Annapolis, Arnold, Linthicum, Odenton, Millersville, Glen Burnie, Deale.

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