Cross-Reference Source and Headline Dates — Cross-Reference Source and Headline Dates

Federal recordkeeping guidelines under the Privacy Act of 1974 emphasize the importance of reviewing records for accuracy and relevance prior to any public dissemination. When consulting external sources, a modern headline date may simply refer to a reprint or summary of an event that occurred years ago.

To prevent presenting historical milestones as current, active news, researchers should locate the original source document or interview to verify the actual date the statement was made. This practice preserves the chronological integrity of the public profile.