During WWII, Gordon Welchman was a key figure at Bletchley Park, Britain’s top-secret codebreaking center.  As the head of a division known as Hut Six, Welchman made major contributions to the war effort and to the science of codebreaking.  By cracking the German Enigma Code, Welchman and the thousands of brilliant minds working at Bletchley Park are said to have shortened the war by two years.    

After the war, Welchman moved to the US, where he taught the first computer course at MIT and worked on American defense technology.  In 1971, he moved to Newburyport and spent the last fourteen years of his life residing at 167 Water Street.  Here, Welchman enjoyed retirement, pursuing personal interests such as music, and giving monthly concerts at three local nursing homes. 

Codebreaker: Newburyport’s Gordon Welchman at Bletchley Park will offer insight about this mathematical mastermind from those who knew him best—family, friends, and colleagues.  Hear from current and former Newburyporters about the time Welchman spent here and the impression he made on this community.  Panelists include Welchman’s daughter Rosamond, personal friend Marilyn Wescott, lawyer and colleague John Stevens, fellow British codebreaking alumna and Newburyport resident Diana Lucy, and minister Bertrand Steeves.

This program is proudly presented by the Museum of Old Newbury and the Friends of the Newburyport Public Library. 

Tuesday, March 28 (March 29 in case of inclement weather)
6:30pm
Newburyport Senior Community Center, 331 High Street
Space is limited; please contact info@newburyhistory.org or 978-462-2681 to reserve your seat.
This program is sponsored in part by the Institution for Savings and is offered to the community free of charge.