American Cryptogram Association

The American Cryptogram Association was organized originally to place the “cryptogram” on an equivalent basis with chess, thus contributing to the happiness of mankind. It has grown to encompass many phases of cryptography, using both pencils and paper and computers. Meanwhile, in Burton, Ohio, George Lamb ran the “Secret Corner” in the local newspaper. He read Ohaver’s column and was also a member of the National Puzzler’s League (NPL). The ACA inherited the idea of using noms-de-plume, noms, as a means of bringing equality – or at least anonymity – to their cipher-solving from the NPL. Lamb chose DAMONOMAD as his nom and became known as DAMON. He too was concentrating on Aristocrats. With the demand for his column increasing, he and Warner agreed to publish a magazine which would be the official journal of the ACA. It was to be named The Cryptogram. The first issue appeared in February, 1932. The ACA now has members all over the world, and The Cryptogram has grown to a 32-page bimonthly journal with six major departments. In 1933, “The Master Puzzler” was published and contained the name of Helen Fouché Gaines under the nom of PICCOLA. Her major interests were in ciphers – various systems of disguising text aside from the Simple Substitution. Her first article appeared in The Cryptogram in December 1933, and was followed by the opening of the “Cipher Exchange” in that issue. In August 1933 the “Foreign Cryptogram Department”, now known as “Xenocrypts”, appeared in The Cryptogram. In 1936, interest having grown in ciphers and methods of breaking them, it was suggested that the ACA publish a textbook. The contents would be taken from the “Round Robin” lessons that had been a major method of spreading information and practice among members with additional material from foreign sources and hard-to-find books. With help from many volunteers, Elementary Cryptanalysis (Elcy) appeared for the first time in 1939, under the editorship of Helen Fouché Gaines. The book was also dedicated to George Lamb, who died before it appeared in print. PICCOLA died soon after. Elcy was the first book of its kind to appear in English and was reprinted by Dover in 1956 under the title Cryptanalysis. It remains a standard text to this day. The ACA has since published many other booklets on specialized subjects. Each was produced by volunteers among our members. In 1982 a regular “Computer Column” was started. In deference to those who do not possess computers, only hints and suggestions for enciphering and deciphering but not fully developed programs are published in this column. In 1986, a Computer Supplement was published; it contained more information on computer activities. Lack of involvement from interested members led to the dissolution of this publication. At the present time, archived copies of the computer supplement can be found at Computer Supplements . The ACA is a non-profit organization devoted to the dissemination of cryptographic knowledge. There are few limits on membership. Officers receive no reward for service other than the joy of promoting cryptography. Once a year members and friends, experts and novices, gather at the ACA Convention. Many meet for the first time, although they may be old friends by mail or email. New enthusiasm is generated for the hobby as mutual help is given and experience is shared. This date was determined to be accurate by VERMONSTER after reading letters between SUNYAM and DAMONAD in the Historian’s files.