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Press Release

MILWAUKEE, Wis., October 20, 2005 – The Middle School Social Studies department at University School of Milwaukee (USM) has launched Middle School Cryptex Madness – which utilizes the Encrypta cryptex as an educational tool.

Mr. Chuck Taft, head of USM’s Middle School Social Studies department and a puzzle and mystery buff, is using a cryptex to challenge his students to learn more. The cryptex, manufactured by Wisconsin-based Encrypta Gifts, is a cherry wood and brass puzzle with a hidden chamber inside. It opens when lettered rings are rotated to spell a secret code. The cryptex is thought to have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci in the 15th Century and was prominently featured in the novel “The DaVinci Code” by Dan Brown.

Carlos de la Huerga, the designer of the Encrypta cryptex and a University School parent, said “I originally created the cryptex as a gift for my daughter’s ninth birthday. Since then, I’ve seen purchasers use it for marriage proposals, anniversaries, graduations, and special events. I must say I never dreamed it would have application as an educational tool.”

Mr. Taft selected the cryptex secret code from subjects in his Social Studies classes for 7th and 8th grades. He and other teachers are providing the students with hints in the form of rhyming riddles. The hints, with a new one given out each day, do not reveal the secret code. Instead, the students must think carefully about what they’ve learned to figure out how to unlock the cryptex.

The first student to open the cryptex will get two special prizes which have been placed in the hidden chamber. One is an out-of-uniform day for the entire class room. The other, for the winning student, is a gift certificate for use at a local book store – Mr. Taft is a teacher after all.

University School will be featuring the Encrypta cryptex at their Christmas and Holiday Show, which is being held from October 26th through the 29th. More information about the show is available at http://pa.usm.k12.wi.us/ .

Encrypta Gifts, a Wisconsin-based company, introduced the Encrypta cryptex earlier this year. Since then, the product has received national media attention, including coverage in New York’s Newsday, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Fox News and other media outlets. The product, in addition to being available at the University School Christmas and Holiday Show, can be purchased online at www.encryptagifts.com. The current price of the original version – which is handmade by local craftsman and personalized with a selected secret code – is $79.95. Special versions, customized to a buyer’s unique specifications, are available at higher prices.

The Encrypta cryptex is available for purchase on the company's website at http://www.encryptagifts.com.