Feb 15th Program- The Enigma Cipher Machine

Ralph Simpson worked in the computer industry for 32 years, at IBM and Cisco Systems. He is now retired and is a volunteer at a local history museum. He is also an avid collector of cipher machines, which you can see on his website at CipherMachines.com. Ralph presented us the history and technology of Enigma Cipher machines.

Some highlights included learning the importance of Cipher machines after radios came into play in WWI, the intricate nature of their functions, the history of their development including many of those involved with their invention and the subterfuge involved in ensuring that the Germans never learned that the Allies had the ability to crack the code

Ralph had one of these rare machines on hand and demonstrated it's complex functioning, many in attendance had a chance to try their hand it at after the meeting.