United States Stamp Society

United States Stamp Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and collection of United States postage stamps, postal history, and philately. The society was founded in 1926 by a group of prominent philatelists, including Theodore Steinway, John N. Luff, and Philip H. Ward Jr., with the goal of promoting the hobby and advancing the knowledge of American philately. The society's early years were marked by close ties with other philatelic organizations, such as the American Philatelic Society and the Collectors Club of New York. The society's founding was also influenced by the work of earlier philatelists, including John Walter Scott and William H. Crocker.

● History

The United States Stamp Society has a rich history, dating back to the early 20th century, when philately was becoming increasingly popular in the United States. The society's founders were inspired by the work of earlier philatelists, such as Sir Rowland Hill, who introduced the Penny Black stamp in Great Britain, and Benjamin Franklin, who played a key role in the development of the United States Postal Service. The society's early years were marked by a focus on stamp collecting, with members exchanging rare stamps and sharing knowledge about stamp production and postal history. The society also drew inspiration from other organizations, such as the Royal Philatelic Society London and the Society of Philatelic Americans.

● Organization

The United States Stamp Society is governed by a board of directors, which includes prominent philatelists such as Charles J. Peterson and James H. Beal. The society is headquartered in New York City and has a close relationship with other philatelic organizations, such as the American Stamp Dealers Association and the National Stamp Dealers Association. The society also has a strong connection to the Smithsonian National Postal Museum, which is home to a vast collection of United States postage stamps and postal artifacts. The society's organization is also influenced by the work of other institutions, such as the Library of Congress and the National Archives and Records Administration.

● Activities

The United States Stamp Society engages in a range of activities, including stamp exhibitions, philatelic auctions, and educational programs. The society hosts an annual convention, which features stamp dealers, philatelic exhibits, and lectures by prominent philatelists, such as John M. Taylor and Richard McP. Cabeen. The society also sponsors philatelic research and stamp collecting competitions, such as the Champion of Champions competition, which is held in conjunction with the American Philatelic Society. The society's activities are also supported by other organizations, such as the United States Postal Service and the National Postal Museum.

● Publications

The United States Stamp Society publishes a range of philatelic literature, including the United States Stamp Society Journal, which features articles on stamp collecting, postal history, and philatelic research. The society also publishes monographs on specific topics, such as United States revenue stamps and postal stationery. The society's publications are highly regarded in the philatelic community and are often cited by other organizations, such as the American Philatelic Society and the Royal Philatelic Society London. The society's publications are also influenced by the work of other institutions, such as the British Library and the Bibliothèque nationale de France.

● Membership

Membership in the United States Stamp Society is open to anyone with an interest in philately and stamp collecting. The society has a diverse membership, including stamp collectors, philatelic dealers, and postal historians. Members receive a range of benefits, including access to the society's philatelic library, discounts on stamp purchases, and invitations to philatelic events, such as the World Stamp Show. The society's membership is also supported by other organizations, such as the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie and the Inter-American Philatelic Federation.

● Collecting Focus

The United States Stamp Society has a strong focus on United States postage stamps and postal history. Members collect a range of stamps, including classic stamps, commemorative stamps, and revenue stamps. The society also has a strong interest in postal history, including mail routes, post offices, and postal rates. The society's members are also interested in philatelic errors, such as misprinted stamps and invert errors, which are highly prized by stamp collectors. The society's collecting focus is also influenced by the work of other institutions, such as the National Postal Museum and the Smithsonian Institution. The society's members also collect stamps from other countries, including Great Britain, Canada, and Australia, and are interested in international philately and worldwide stamp collecting. The society's collecting focus is also supported by other organizations, such as the International Federation of Philately and the World Association for the Development of Philately.