American Cryptogram Association facts for kids
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| Formation | Sept. 1, 1930 |
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President
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DARING FLAIR |
The American Cryptogram Association (ACA) is a group in America for people who love cryptography. Cryptography is the art of making and breaking secret codes. The ACA focuses on codes and ciphers you can solve with a pencil and paper, or with simple computers. They don't focus on super complex computer-only systems.
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History of the ACA
The ACA started on September 1, 1930. At first, members were mostly interested in simple substitution ciphers. These are codes where each letter is replaced by another letter. For example, 'A' might always become 'X'.
Over time, the ACA began to explore many other types of codes. These include more complex systems like the Playfair, autokey, transposition, and Vigenère ciphers.
Some ACA members also belonged to another group called the National Puzzlers' League. Because of this, the ACA sometimes uses special words from that group. For example, a member's nickname is called a "nom."
What the ACA Does
The ACA has a large collection of books and articles about codes and ciphers. This library is kept at Kent State University. It's a great resource for anyone wanting to learn more about cryptography.
Annual Convention
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, solve puzzles, and learn new things. 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 published every two months. It includes interesting articles about codes and new challenge ciphers for members to solve.
Famous Members of the ACA
Many well-known people who love puzzles and codes have been members of the ACA. Here are a few:
- H. O. Yardley: He was the first Vice President in 1933. His "nom" was BOZO.
- Helen Fouché Gaines: She joined in 1933 and used the "nom" PICCOLA. She edited an important book called Elementary Cryptanalysis in 1939.
- Rosario Candela: He was a member starting in June 1934. His "nom" was ISKANDER.
- David Kahn: He is a famous writer about cryptography. He used several "noms," including DAKON and ISHCABIBEL.
- Will Shortz: He is the Puzzle Editor for The New York Times. His "nom" is WILLz.
- David Shulman: He was a lexicographer (someone who writes dictionaries) and a cryptographer. He joined in 1933 and used the "nom" Ab Struse.
- James Gillogly: His "nom" is SCRYER.
- Gelett Burgess: An American artist, poet, and humorist. His "nom" was TWO O'CLOCK.
See Also
