Toying with Secrets at the National Cryptologic Museum

From Baby Boomers to Generation Z, the action-packed world of comics has stitched generations together. From huddling around the radio to Little Orphan Annie's adventures to starting Saturday with Batman's caped crusades, these captivating tales have woven themselves into our lives.

For years toy manufacturers have used puzzles and games to attract audiences of all ages. From action figures to board games to stuffed animals, codes and ciphers have captivated our imaginations (and our wallets)!

"Toying with Secrets" is the latest rotating exhibit at the National Cryptologic Museum (NCM). It demonstrates how comics and toys connect us across generations and how keeping secrets will never go out of style.

Two years ago, an avid collector of cryptology contacted the NCM to donate an extensive book collection on cryptologic material. This donation sparked a conversation about the toys the collector's family had amassed over the years. The origins of these toys are as much a mystery as the codes they contain. The collector shared with the NCM that building the collection had been a years-long endeavor and a true family (and friends) affair, with loved ones often purchasing items to add to the ever-growing collection.

The collector donated dozens of boxes full of coded comic books (Annie, Superman, Batman, Spiderman, Captain Midnight, and Green Lama), radio shows, board games, tv shows, and toys. There is truly a little bit of everything, spanning decades-- from the 1930s to more modern times.

While the collection now belongs to the NCM, it's only on display for a limited time!

Codes in Toyland 2.0

The NCM has also revamped its "Codes in Toyland 2.0" exhibit. First launched in 2023 after a pitch from NCM Collections Manager, Spencer Allenbaugh, the exhibit tells the unique cryptologic story of Furby. The cute, popular toy from the late 1990s and mid-2010s, entertained kids and grown-ups alike for years. Not just a furry friend, Furby was even a concern for national security!

"Furby was banned from Agency grounds because he repeated everything he recorded," said National Cryptologic Museum's Curator Deana Bowles. "He was non-stop, 24/7, and had zero filter on anything he heard or said."

The exhibit also features Barbie. While Barbie has done just about everything from newscasting to running a hotdog stand, she also wrote codes!
In this revamped display, you can also learn the story behind the Barbie typewriter that actually encrypts communication and CESPO (OPSEC backwards--once the official mascot of an NSA Operations Security Office).

Share the holiday cheer (and codes) with your friends and family while the exhibits are on display, through February.

The NCM is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-4pm. Admission is free.

The National Cryptologic Museum is open Mon-Sat from 10am-4pm. Admission is free, reservations are not required. For more information on scheduling a visit or a field trip visit nsa.gov/museum/