Huntington Native Elizebeth Friedman: America’s First Female Cryptanalyst

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Did you know America’s first female cryptanalyst was born in Huntington, IN? Join us at Huntington City-Township Public Library or online on April 24, 2021 from 12:30 – 2:00pm EST as we unpack Elizebeth Friedman’s story, presented by G. Stuart Smith, author of A Life in Code: Pioneer Cryptanalyst Elizebeth Smith Friedman. This free event is open to the public for ages 13 and above. To register, go to https://bit.ly/38spP67 or call 260-358-6804. The registration deadline is April 10^th for in-person and April 24^th for online.

A Life in Code: Pioneer Cryptanalyst Elizebeth Smith Friedman by G. Stuart Smith

During Friedman’s career as America’s first female cryptanalyst, she cracked hundreds of ciphers, successfully busting criminals during Prohibition, and breaking up a Nazi spy ring across South America during World War II. Speaker, G. Stuart Smith, will be diving more into her story. Smith is a retired journalism professor and author of A Life in Code: Pioneer Cryptanalyst Elizebeth Smith Friedman. As a television reporter and videographer, he won awards for investigative and feature reporting and videography. He produced and wrote award-winning documentaries that aired on public television. A Bridge to Cuba followed U.S. sailing enthusiasts to Cuba as they made friends with common people in the Communist nation. He also produced another documentary, Heritage or Hate, which investigated Civil War-era Confederate symbols in modern-day government logos and public landmarks.

If you have considered a STEM career, you do not want to miss out on this opportunity! We will also teach you how to start breaking codes, including some codes that Elizebeth had to break. Prizes include codebreaking board games, escape room gift cards, and more!

There will also be a raffle for a CompTIA Security+ certification voucher if you have had an interest in starting a career in cybersecurity. Other resources will be available to you if you are interested in learning how to start a cybersecurity career or another computing career. Also, the first 50 individuals to register will receive a biography about Elizebeth Smith Friedman!