On July 30, 1993, the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum opened in Washington, DC.
The history of the National Postal Museum dates back to 1886. That year, the National Philatelic Collection was first established with the donation of a sheet of 10¢ Confederate stamps. In the coming years, individuals, foreign governments, and American government agencies helped the collection grow through donations. Today it consists of more than 5.9 million items.
Between 1908 and 1963, the National Philatelic Collection resided in the Smithsonian’s Arts and Industries Building on the National Mall. Then, in 1964, it was moved to the National Museum of American History.
Realizing the need for a permanent home for the National Philatelic Collection, the National Postal Museum was established on November 6, 1990 as a joint project between the Smithsonian Institution and the USPS. The former City Post Office Building, built in 1914, was selected as the site for the new museum.
The National Postal Museum officially opened to the public on July 30, 1993. Some 10,000 people visited the museum during that opening weekend. Four new stamps were issued there on opening day to commemorate the event. These stamps were a joint effort between the USPS, the National Postal Museum, and the Citizen Stamp Advisory Committee. The museum director at the time said these “stamps were in effect like a miniature visit to the museum” because they picture several items that can be found there.
The National Postal Museum is home to one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive stamp collections. Fascinating interactive exhibits tell the colorful history of the nation’s mail service. Collections include postal stationary and postal history from before the first stamps were issued, vehicles that transported the mail, mailboxes, meters, greeting cards, Owney the postal dog, and lots more.
In 1997, the National Postal Museum hosted an inaugural ball for Vice President Al Gore. That same year, it received full status as a Smithsonian Institution National Museum. Then, in 2013, the National Postal Museum opened the world’s largest stamp gallery – the William H. Gross Stamp Gallery, named for its main benefactor. The 12,000-square-foot facility houses some of the greatest stamp rarities and is a mecca for collectors around the world.
Click here to visit the National Postal Museum’s website and click here for the William H. Gross Stamp Gallery site.
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The NPM is a fantastic resource for stamp collectors. Great website.
My family and I just visited last week. Everyone had a wonderful time and wants to go back the next time we are in D.C.
Such an amazing place! I’m the only collector in my family but this is our favorite museum, very easy to spend hours there
We stamp collectors are lucky to have a Smithsonian National Postal Museum devoted to stamps, the history of stamps, and the U.S. Postal Service. This TDIH post reminds me in August 1993 I rented two buses and brought all Mystic colleagues to D.C. to see the museum. Mystic supported the NPM from the start. Mystic is a founding doner for the NPM and the NPM Gross Stamp Gallery.
Every visitors is encouraged to take 6 free stamps to start a stamp collection. Mystic donates the stamps because we believe the world is better off with more collectors.
If you haven’t visited the NPM, please do. It’s fantastic. Trip Advisor ranks it a top pick to do in D.C. ranked higher than the Supreme Court and just after the Smithsonian Castle.