For nearly 50 years, Federal Bureau of Investigation director J. Edgar Hoover built the FBI into a world-class crime-fighting organization while keeping safeguard of the county’s secrets.

Next week, Hoover’s estate will announce the donation of his collection to the National Law Enforcement Museum in Washington.

The collection includes Hoover’s office desk, chair, telephone, and photographs; books; recordings of Hoover’s speeches; and other items that related to his tenure as director of the FBI from 1924 to 1972.

Groundbreaking for the Museum will take place on Oct. 14, 2010, with a projected opening in late 2013.