American Cryptogram Association facts for kids
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| Formation | September 1, 1930 |
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President
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DARING FLAIR |
The American Cryptogram Association (ACA) is a group in America that loves cryptography. Cryptography is the art of making and breaking secret codes. The ACA focuses on codes, ciphers, and cryptograms that people can solve using just a pencil and paper, or with help from computers. They don't usually work on codes that only computers can solve.
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The History of the ACA
The American Cryptogram Association started on September 1, 1930. It was created by people who enjoyed solving puzzles and codes.
Some members of the ACA also belonged to another group called the "National Puzzlers' League". Because of this, the ACA sometimes uses special words from that group. For example, members might use a "nom," which is like a nickname they use in the club.
What the ACA Does
The ACA has a large collection of books and articles about cryptography. This library is located at Kent State University. It's a great resource for anyone wanting to learn more about codes.
Annual Conventions
Every year, the ACA holds a special meeting called a convention. This usually happens in late August or early September. Members gather to share ideas, learn new things, and solve codes together. Recent conventions have been held in places like Bletchley Park and Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The Cryptogram Journal
The association also publishes a regular magazine called The Cryptogram. The first issue came out in February 1932. Today, it's a 28-page magazine that comes out every two months. It includes interesting articles about codes and new challenge ciphers for members to solve.
Famous Code Solvers
Many interesting people have been members of the ACA. Here are a few:
- H. O. Yardley was an early member and used the nom BOZO. He was the first Vice President in 1933.
- Helen Fouché Gaines joined in 1933 and used the nom PICCOLA. She helped edit an important book about solving codes in 1939.
- Rosario Candela was a member starting in June 1934 and used the nom ISKANDER.
- David Kahn was a well-known writer about codes. He used several noms, including DAKON and ISHCABIBEL.
- Will Shortz is the Puzzle Editor for New York Times. He is an ACA member and uses the nom WILLz.
- David Shulman was a lexicographer (someone who writes dictionaries) and a cryptographer. He joined in 1933 and used the nom Ab Struse.
- James Gillogly is a member who uses the nom SCRYER.
- Gelett Burgess, an American artist and writer, used the nom TWO O'CLOCK.
