American Philatelic Society

American Philatelic Society. The American Philatelic Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting stamp collecting and philately in the United States. Founded in 1886, it is one of the largest and most prestigious philatelic organizations in the world, with members including John F. Kennedy, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Winston Churchill. The society is headquartered in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, and has strong ties to other philatelic organizations, such as the Royal Philatelic Society London and the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie.

● History

The American Philatelic Society was founded in 1886 by a group of stamp collectors, including John K. Tiffany, who is considered one of the fathers of philately in the United States. The society's early years were marked by a focus on stamp collecting and philatelic research, with members including Theodore Roosevelt and Calvin Coolidge. During World War I, the society played a key role in promoting war stamps and philatelic propaganda, working closely with the United States Postal Service and the American Red Cross. The society has also been involved in various philatelic exhibitions and competitions, including the World Philatelic Exhibition and the American Philatelic Exhibition.

● Organization

The American Philatelic Society is governed by a board of directors, which includes prominent philatelists such as David Beech and Peter McCann. The society has a strong relationship with other philatelic organizations, including the American Stamp Dealers Association and the United States Stamp Society. The society is also a member of the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie, which is the international governing body for philately. The society's headquarters are located in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, and it has a strong presence at philatelic events such as the American Philatelic Exhibition and the World Philatelic Exhibition.

● Membership

Membership in the American Philatelic Society is open to anyone interested in stamp collecting and philately, including beginner collectors and advanced collectors. Members include John Kerr Tiffany, Theodore Steinway, and King George V, and have access to a range of benefits, including philatelic publications, exhibition opportunities, and research resources. The society also offers a range of membership categories, including junior membership and life membership, and has a strong focus on youth philately and philatelic education. Members can also participate in philatelic competitions and exhibitions, such as the American Philatelic Exhibition and the World Philatelic Exhibition.

● Publications

The American Philatelic Society publishes a range of philatelic publications, including The American Philatelist and The Philatelic Exhibitor. The society also produces philatelic catalogs, such as the Scott Catalog, and philatelic research papers, which are published in The Journal of Philately. The society's publications are highly regarded in the philatelic community, and are used by collectors and dealers around the world, including Sotheby's and Christie's. The society also partners with other philatelic organizations to produce joint publications, such as the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie's International Philatelic Catalog.

● Exhibitions_and_Awards

The American Philatelic Society hosts a range of philatelic exhibitions and competitions, including the American Philatelic Exhibition and the World Philatelic Exhibition. The society also offers a range of philatelic awards, including the Lichtenstein Award and the Chapman Award, which are presented to outstanding collectors and philatelic researchers. The society's exhibitions and awards are highly regarded in the philatelic community, and are recognized by other philatelic organizations, such as the Royal Philatelic Society London and the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie. The society also partners with other philatelic organizations to host joint exhibitions and competitions, such as the International Philatelic Exhibition.

● Education_and_Research

The American Philatelic Society has a strong focus on philatelic education and research, and offers a range of educational programs and research resources to its members. The society's education department provides workshops and seminars on philatelic topics, such as stamp collecting and philatelic research methods. The society also partners with other philatelic organizations to provide joint educational programs, such as the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie's International Philatelic Academy. The society's research library is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world, and includes rare philatelic books and manuscripts, such as the British Library's Philatelic Collection and the Library of Congress's Philatelic Archives. The society also supports philatelic research projects, such as the United States Postal Museum's Philatelic Research Initiative and the Smithsonian Institution's National Postal Museum's Philatelic Research Program.