1997 Factbook on Intelligence


New Headquarters Building Cornerstone Ceremony

In preparing for this ceremony, employees of the Agency were asked to make suggestions for documents and other materials for sealing within the cornerstone of the new addition to the Central Intelligence Agency Building. From these suggestions a selection was made of items which best provide a historic perspective as well as current examples of Agency endeavors. At some future date, when opened, the box will provide items of historic interest concerning the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and today's ceremony at which the Vice President of this United States honors us by laying the cornerstone.

Contents of the cornerstone box include:

  1. A copy of the CIA Credo, which sets forth the objectives and ideals governing our work in intelligence.
  2. A CIA medallion which is representative of that given to all employees upon retirement from service.
  3. The program, photo booklet, and text of President Reagan's speeches to covert and overt employees at the groundbreaking ceremony on 24 May 1984.
  4. A copy of the current editions of The World Factbook, containing political, geographic and economic data on all other countries in the world, and of the Factbook on Intelligence.
  5. The publication, Directors and Deputy Directors of CIA: Dates and Data 1946-1983.
  6. A miniature agent camera and crypto chip with a brief description of their use and technology employed.
  7. An aerial photograph of the CIA Headquarters complex before constuction of the new building.
  8. An artist's rendition of the new building as it will appear when completed.
  9. Remarks of the DCI, William J. Casey, at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, on 29 October 1983.
  10. Remarks of the DDCI, John N. McMahon, at the memorial service for Beirut Embassy victims on 29 April 1983.
  11. The program and Vice President's remarks at the Cornerstone Ceremony on 1 November 1985.

Above: Text detailing the contents of the box enclosed in the CIA New Headquarters Building cornerstone. Excerpted from the Cornerstone Ceremony program, 1 November 1985.