Jamestown Exposition
On April 26, 1907, the Jamestown Exposition opened at Sewell’s Point in Norfolk, Virginia. It celebrated the 300th anniversary of the first permanent English settlement in America.
Postal History
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First US Forever Stamp Issued
On April 12, 2007, the USPS issued its first Forever stamp, which featured a patriotic image of the Liberty Bell. Since 2011, all first-class stamps have been Forever stamps.
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Consular Service Fee Stamps
On April 5, 1906, Congress passed a law calling for the creation of Consular Service Fee stamps. The act also reorganized the consular service to dissuade dishonesty and help keep more accurate records.
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Postal Note Stamps
On March 31, 1951, Postal Note stamps were discontinued after just six years of use.
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First Commemorative-Sized Definitive Booklet Stamp
On March 29, 1985, the USPS issued its first definitive booklet stamp in the larger commemorative size. It was created for use in vending machines and to test the popularity of the format.
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Farley’s Follies
On March 15, 1935, the US Post Office reissued 20 stamps known as “Farley’s Special Printings,” which were the result of the biggest stamp scandal of the time – “Farley’s Follies.”
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The Blizzard of 1888 and Blizzard Mail
On March 12, 1888, a short-lived blizzard mail service delivered letters to New York City during one of the worst storms in history.
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Parents Mail Children Through Parcel Post
On February 19, 1914, parents in Idaho took advantage of the affordable Parcel Post rate to mail their daughter to her grandmother’s house. It was one of several instances of people mailing children using stamps.
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Pluto Discovered
On February 18, 1930, Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto after nearly a year of searching. It would be another 85 years before the US sent its first space probe there – inspired by a postage stamp!
