NSA/CSS - National Security Agency - Central Security Service
06/24/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/24/2026 10:19
Author to Reveal Story of Revolutionary War's 'One-Man NSA' at National Cryptologic Museum
FORT MEADE, Md - The National Cryptologic Museum will host author Jean C. O'Connor for a special presentation on James Lovell, her ancestor and a pivotal, yet often overlooked, cryptographer of the American Revolution. The event will take place on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 10:00 AM.
O'Connor, a retired teacher and historical novelist, will discuss the remarkable life of James Lovell, a 2023 inductee to the National Security Agency's (NSA) Cryptologic Hall of Honor and a man former NSA Director William Friedman once called "the Revolution's one-man NSA." Inspired by a few lines in her grandmother's journal, O'Connor has conducted extensive research using primary sources to write two novels on Lovell, a teacher at the Boston Latin School, a spy for the patriots, a British prisoner, and a Continental Congressman who was instrumental to the war effort through his mastery of cryptography.
In her talk, O'Connor will highlight Lovell's journey from a Boston schoolteacher to becoming "Congress's decipherer extraordinaire," whose work included deciphering critical British messages for Generals Washington and Greene.
This presentation offers a unique opportunity to delve into the history of American intelligence during the nation's founding, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Event Details:
What: A Presentation on James Lovell by Author Jean C. O'Connor
When: Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 10:00 AM
Where: The National Cryptologic Museum, Fort Meade, MD
Admission: Free and open to the public
For media inquiries about the exhibit and the National Cryptologic Museum, please contact Iyube L'Bert at 443-634-0721 or [email protected].
About the Speaker
Jean C. O'Connor is a retired educator and the author of The Remarkable Cause: A Novel of James Lovell and the Crucible of the American Revolution and Congress's Cryptographer: A Novel of James Lovell and the American Revolution. She is the five times great-granddaughter of James Lovell.
About The National Cryptologic Museum
The National Cryptologic Museum is the only fully public museum in the Intelligence Community. It's open Tuesday through Friday and the first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free and no reservations are required. Visit the National Cryptologic Museum website to start planning your visit!
About The National Security Agency
Founded in 1952, NSA is a Department of War combat support agency and member of the Intelligence Community. The Agency's mission is foreign signals intelligence and cybersecurity that prevents and eradicates threats to U.S. national security systems with a focus on the Defense Industrial Base and the improvement of U.S. weapons' security. From protecting U.S. warfighters around the world to enabling and supporting operations on land, in the air, at sea, in space, and in the cyber domain, NSA is committed to building public trust and uphold civil liberties and privacy values through transparency.
O'Connor, a retired teacher and historical novelist, will discuss the remarkable life of James Lovell, a 2023 inductee to the National Security Agency's (NSA) Cryptologic Hall of Honor and a man former NSA Director William Friedman once called "the Revolution's one-man NSA." Inspired by a few lines in her grandmother's journal, O'Connor has conducted extensive research using primary sources to write two novels on Lovell, a teacher at the Boston Latin School, a spy for the patriots, a British prisoner, and a Continental Congressman who was instrumental to the war effort through his mastery of cryptography.
In her talk, O'Connor will highlight Lovell's journey from a Boston schoolteacher to becoming "Congress's decipherer extraordinaire," whose work included deciphering critical British messages for Generals Washington and Greene.
This presentation offers a unique opportunity to delve into the history of American intelligence during the nation's founding, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Event Details:
What: A Presentation on James Lovell by Author Jean C. O'Connor
When: Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 10:00 AM
Where: The National Cryptologic Museum, Fort Meade, MD
Admission: Free and open to the public
For media inquiries about the exhibit and the National Cryptologic Museum, please contact Iyube L'Bert at 443-634-0721 or [email protected].
NSA Media Relations
[email protected]
[email protected]
About the Speaker
Jean C. O'Connor is a retired educator and the author of The Remarkable Cause: A Novel of James Lovell and the Crucible of the American Revolution and Congress's Cryptographer: A Novel of James Lovell and the American Revolution. She is the five times great-granddaughter of James Lovell.
About The National Cryptologic Museum
The National Cryptologic Museum is the only fully public museum in the Intelligence Community. It's open Tuesday through Friday and the first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free and no reservations are required. Visit the National Cryptologic Museum website to start planning your visit!
About The National Security Agency
Founded in 1952, NSA is a Department of War combat support agency and member of the Intelligence Community. The Agency's mission is foreign signals intelligence and cybersecurity that prevents and eradicates threats to U.S. national security systems with a focus on the Defense Industrial Base and the improvement of U.S. weapons' security. From protecting U.S. warfighters around the world to enabling and supporting operations on land, in the air, at sea, in space, and in the cyber domain, NSA is committed to building public trust and uphold civil liberties and privacy values through transparency.
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