diff --git a/collects/scribblings/main/private/make-search.ss b/collects/scribblings/main/private/make-search.ss
index d089969cbb..e5d4c26ba8 100644
--- a/collects/scribblings/main/private/make-search.ss
+++ b/collects/scribblings/main/private/make-search.ss
@@ -583,7 +583,7 @@
     function HidePrefs(event) {
       if ((event.which || event.keyCode) == 27) {
         query.focus();
-        panels["prefs"] = true;
+        panels_shown["prefs"] = true;
         TogglePanel("prefs");
       }
     }