Historians can be compared to prosecuting attorneys because both professions depend on evidence to make a case. It is the process of gathering evidence that also places historians in the role of detective. Historians, like detectives, are trying to make sense out of a set of events. Research sources are like pieces of a puzzle — sometimes you need to find the right source for different pieces of your puzzle to fit together.

Here is a history mystery for you to solve. The Honeywell documents related to the development and production of the autopilot are all stamped with notes that they are "RESTRICTED" or "TOP SECRET." These notes also contain warnings about the severe punishments for revealing the contents of these documents. However, in September of 1943 several newspaper articles were published describing the abilities of the autopilot. Why wasn't the Army Air Force opposed to printing this information in newspapers?

Solve this mystery and you may win a prize for your class!

The clue to solving this mystery is contained in one of the primary sources on this site — can you find it? Start out by clicking on the newspaper article. You will be able to read the article before you go to the sources. If you solve the mystery you can return to this page and let us know that you have "cracked the case." Correct answers will go into a drawing for a fabulous History Day prize for your class. Good luck!