First US Airmail Booklet
On May 26, 1928, the US issued its first-ever Airmail booklet – US #C10a.
Postal History
Canada Centenary Issue
On May 25, 1967, the Canada Centennial stamp was issued in Montreal – the first time a US stamp had a First Day ceremony in another country.
Looney Tunes Series and the Rare Bugs Bunny Imperforate Sheet
On May 22, 1997, the USPS issued the first stamp in the Looney Tunes Series, honoring Bugs Bunny. It was the first US stamp to picture a cartoon character. There’s also a 10th stamp imperforate pane that’s the most rare stamp issued in 70 years!
Opening of SIPEX
On May 21, 1966, the Sixth International Philatelic Exhibition opened in Washington, DC. It was planned in just 18 months and saw the issue of some interesting postal firsts!
Private Mailing Card Act
On May 19, 1898, Congress passed the Private Mailing Card Act. The act allowed private printers to produce their own postcards with the same postage rate as government-issued cards.
First US Airmail Flight
On May 15, 1918, America’s airmail service began when two Curtiss Jennys departed New York and Washington, DC. In the months that followed, pioneering aviators expanded airmail service over the treacherous Allegheny Mountains to Chicago and eventually the west coast.
First International Sky Train
On May 14, 1935, US and Cuban pilots flew the first international airmail sky train. Inspired by locomotives hauling wagons, this air train consisted of a motored airplane pulling two gliders.
Opening of TIPEX
On May 9, 1936, the Third International Philatelic Exhibition (TIPEX) opened at Grand Central Palace in New York City. The exhibition included the issue of a four-stamp souvenir sheet, a visit from he Hindenburg, and more.
Pan-American Exposition & Stamps
The Pan-American Exposition opened to the public on May 1, 1901, in Buffalo, New York. That same day the set of six Pan-American stamps went on sale.