Unlocking History number (UH#)
UH6311
Original & Model
Modelled after President Erika Sloane’s locked message to Admiral Neely, Washington, DC, USA Winter, 2025. Inspired by the Paramount Pictures film released in 2025. Model located in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Libraries (MIT), Unlocking History Research Group archive, MC0760.
Model and research notes
MIT Libraries, Unlocking History Research Group archive, MC0760, Box 28.
Letterlocking Unique Video number(s) (LUV #s) & Instructional video(s) URL
LUV311
YouTube URL: https://youtu.be/A07M3r9za5o
Vimeo URL: https://vimeo.com/letterlocking/missionimpossible
Instructional video info transcription
Forthcoming
Letterlocking Category number (LC #)
LC05L
Letterlocking Format number (LF #)
4S
Security score
Low
Assessment of confidence in assigning LC#
Attested
Substrate
Paper
Dimensions
Forthcoming
Opened (in mm): 8.5” x 8.5” inches
Letterpacket (in mm): 4.25” x 4.25” inches
Manifestation
Opened
Distinctive letterlocking style(s)
Military stationery
Locking mechanism
Closure flap
Security enhancements
Authenticated exposed seal
Codes and ciphers
Letterlocking category formula (shorthand)
LC5
Fold + Adhere
(F + A)
Letterlocking manipulation sequence (shorthand)
Example: Fold + fold + fold + fold + fold + fold + fold + fold + adhere
Locking instructions
Square sheet of paper.
Fold four cornerfolds. Keep folded.
Orient as a diamond silhouette.
Fold four corners towards the center. Keep folded.
Apply adhesive.
Impress seal-stamp.
Images
Forthcoming
Foldable(s)
Forthcoming
Step-by-steps
Forthcoming
Substrate map
Forthcoming
Virtual unfolding results
NA
Manipulations
N/A.
Damage
N/A.
Features
N/A.
Transcription and translation
Coded message: May 22, 1996
Context
Article(s)
2014. Letterlocking: The Art & Security of Letter writing in Book Arts, Arts du Livre Canada, Vol.5 (2014): 2. 21–23.
Book
Jana Dambrogio and Daniel Starza Smith with the Unlocking History Research Group. Letterlocking: The Hidden History of the Letter. Cambridge and London: MIT Press, 2025.
Further resources
Forthcoming
Citation for the letter(s)
UH6311
Original and model
MIT Libraries, Unlocking History Research Group archive, MC0760, Box 28.
Video
Authors: Jana Dambrogio and the Unlocking History Research Group. Title: When everything is analog again: learn the "Mission: Impossible" letterlock, USA (2026) (LUV311/UH6311), USA (2025)." Unlocking History number 6311/Letterlocking Unique Video number: 311. Letterlocking Instructional Videos. Filmed: June 1, 2026. Duration: 3:59. Posted: October 20, 2026. URL: https://youtu.be/A07M3r9za5o . Accessed: [Date].