The Enigma machine, a device invented in 1918 that was used to encrypt secret communications in Hitler's Germany, has a remarkable story. Its inner workings marked the dawn of modern encryption technology and overcoming it was critical in bringing an end to World War II.
The University of Alberta Faculty of Science is hosting a sold-out public lecture on the history of the Enigma machine on Thursday, October 25, 2018. The event features UAlberta Professor Peter Berg, from Augustana, and David O'Keefe, an award-winning historian, professor, and best-selling author from Marianopolis College in Montreal.
"Cracking the Enigma machine and other encryption technologies was paramount to Allied victory during the war and remains one of the greatest secrets of World War II," said O'Keefe. "As a historian, files associated with the ultra-secret operation provide the ability to reframe and even rewrite what we know about the history of the war."
"The Enigma machine marks the early days of the modern computer," added Berg. "In a way, it also represents the dawn of modern encryption technologies."
The talk includes a discussion about the machine's history and inner workings, its role in code-breaking and modern encryption technology, and the human cost of the machine's output, culminating in the raid at Dieppe in 1942. The audience will also see an on-stage demonstration and engage in an in-depth question and answer period featuring, Berg and O'Keefe, as well as Ryan Hayward from the Faculty of Science and Robert Smith from the Faculty of Arts.
"Don't miss out on James Bond and his links to the Enigma machine and Canadian WWII history," said Berg, who will also touch on legendary author Ian Fleming and his inspiration for writing James Bond.
The event also features an actual Enigma machine, the only one on public display in Western Canada, courtesy The Military Museums in Calgary.
The talk takes place at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 25.