The National Archives of the United States are missing many important documents because past security has been so lax. Some of the missing items are the original Wright brothers’ patent for a flying machine, a book with five telegraphed messages sent by Lincoln during the Civil War, and Lyndon Johnson’s honorary class ring from the Coast Guard Academy. Dealers and history buffs often help the recovery team by reporting suspicious documents for sale online or at auctions. Thefts have been traced to dealers, collectors, researchers, and other trusted people who use the archives. Thefts will increase and the dollar value will keep going up if better security is not put in place. (see the Washington Post, March, 2011)
Photo: Wright Brothers’ Flying Machine Patent drawing, National Archives, www.archives.gov
We know someone who claims to have the jawbone of President Grover Cleveland that was taken from the Smithsonian. Is that possible? If so, can he return it without prosecution? It was given to him back in his hippie days and he doesn’t remember the name of the person giving it to him. He is even not sure he believes it is real. All he knows is that it was a girl in San Francisco. Our research came up with Cleveland’s mouth cancer, so we believe it is possible. Any information would be very appreciated.