The Lost Tapes of Grace Hopper: A Piece of Computer History Held Hostage by Technology
Admiral Grace Hopper, a pioneer of the computer industry, is renowned for her contributions to programming languages such as FLOW-MATIC and COBOL. Her influence on the modern world, both in the military and the tech industry, is undeniable. But a vital piece of her legacy – a 1982 lecture given at the National Security Agency (NSA) headquarters – is currently inaccessible, trapped in the dusty depths of the agency’s archives.
The lecture, recorded on two AMPEX 1-inch Video Tape Recorders, titled TVC 930A and TVC 930B, holds immense historical and academic value. The tapes are estimated to contain approximately 88 minutes of Hopper’s insights on the evolution of technology and its impact on society. These insights, according to researcher Michael Ravitzky, are "not just historical footnotes but are likely to offer valuable perspectives" on computing and its potential.
Ravitzky, who has been actively pursuing the tapes through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, highlights the crucial significance of preserving this historical record: "It is our shared obligation to safeguard such pivotal elements of our nation’s history, ensuring they remain within reach of future generations."
A Tale of Technological Barriers and Bureaucracy
In 2021, Ravitzky filed a FOIA request for the tapes. Three years later, the NSA claimed "no responsive documents" existed. Ravitzky, aware of the tapes’ existence through the agency’s own Television Center Catalog, challenged the NSA’s denial. The agency’s excuse? They simply couldn’t play the tapes, as they lacked the necessary equipment.
"When the search was conducted, our office reached out to the organization that would have the tape you requested if it still exists. We were informed that although there are some older video tapes that are potentially responsive, they are on a format that NSA no longer has the ability to view or digitize," the NSA FOIA office said in a response. "Without being able to view the tapes, NSA has no way to verify their responsiveness. NSA is not required to find or obtain new technology (outdated or current) in order to process a request."
While the NSA claims a lack of equipment is preventing them from accessing the tapes, a simple internet search reveals the existence of AMPEX 1-inch Video Tape Recorders still available on platforms like eBay. The agency’s assertion that they cannot obtain the technology needed to play the tapes seems disingenuous at best.
The Fight for Access and Preservation
Following the publication of articles about the lost tapes, a wave of support has emerged, with individuals and organizations stepping up to offer their assistance in finding a solution to the technological barrier. Michael Morisy, founder and CEO of MuckRock, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting transparency, shared that several groups have reached out with "various hardware setups they thought could do the trick."
But the urgency of the situation cannot be understated. The tapes, like all historical artifacts, are subject to degradation over time. The longer they remain inaccessible, the greater the risk of permanent damage and loss. An invaluable piece of computer science history could be lost forever.
Beyond the Technological Hurdle
The case of Grace Hopper’s lost tapes presents more than just a technological challenge. It raises fundamental questions about the responsibility of government agencies in safeguarding national heritage, particularly when it comes to historic documents and artifacts.
The NSA, tasked with protecting national security, has a duty to ensure the preservation of this important part of American history. The agency’s failure to readily access and preserve these tapes, despite their acknowledged value, reflects a flawed approach to its role as a steward of historical treasures.
The Tapes as a Window to the Past
Grace Hopper’s lecture, beyond its historical significance, offers a unique opportunity to delve into the mindset of a pioneering figure in the field of computing. Her insights on a rapidly evolving technological landscape hold relevance even today, as the digital world continues to transform at an unprecedented pace.
The tapes could offer valuable lessons for future generations, shedding light on the early days of computing and inspiring innovation. They could serve as a springboard for examining the evolving relationship between technology and society, its ethical implications, and its potential impact on the future.
A Call to Action
The preservation of Grace Hopper’s lecture is not merely a matter of historical preservation. It is a matter of access to knowledge, inspiration, and a richer understanding of the past and its influence on the present.
The NSA can no longer use the excuse of outdated technology to justify its inaction. The time has come for the agency to prioritize the preservation of this important historical record. The public and future generations deserve the opportunity to hear the wisdom of Admiral Grace Hopper and learn from her insights that continue to shape our world.
The fate of these tapes rests in the hands of the NSA. The agency has the opportunity to redeem its commitment to transparency and historical preservation. It is time to unlock the past and grant access to a crucial piece of computer science history. The lost tapes of Grace Hopper are waiting to be heard, and their story deserves to be told.
