Stamp collecting focused on beginning stamping, USA Philatelic Catalog, US first day covers, African American culture, technology, art, & digital stamping
The HUB (an online community for stamp collectors/philatelists in the American Philatelic Society) had an interesting discussion. The moderator had tried to explain the difference between stamp collecting and philately to someone and wanted some advice from the group. My take on it is that stamp collecting is the actual activity of researching, acquiring, storing... Continue Reading →
This week the US Postal releases its list of upcoming commemorative honorees for 2026 here. I have to admit that at first, I wondered who Harriet Powers was. After seeing the beautiful folk quilt work, I quickly realized that a quilter was being honored. As an abstract art quilter for over 20 years, I feel... Continue Reading →
This week the US Postal releases its list of upcoming commemorative honorees for 2026 here. Being an avid boxing fan for over 40 years, my obvious excitement is towards the Muhammed Ali stamp! He was one of the most entertaining fighters of his time. I was introduced to the world of boxing through my father... Continue Reading →
Whether you are attending the show as an enthusiast, collector, dealer, auctioneer, etc. This show has something for everyone all in one place at the Boston convention and Exhibition Center. There are many stamping societies that have donated to this show. For Boston 2026 World Expo, you can find the list here - https://web.cvent.com/event/bbbdc1d9-e50e-44dd-8bef-eb36c9d1251f/websitePage:6a862a43-ae88-499f-b035-fe7c9a6999b3 Also,... Continue Reading →
There was a recent discussion in The Hub @ Stamp SCHOOL (https://stampschool.stamps.org/main/groups/132438/lounge) about the declining membership for young people in stamp clubs. The discussion centered about thoughts that folks had on attracting more of the current generation to stamping. I answered with some thought off the top of my head but wanted to share here... Continue Reading →
This First Day of Issue dedication ceremony on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 10:30 am Eastern. The ceremony will be held in Kaufmann Concert Hall at the 92nd Street Y, located at 1395 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY. Elie Wiesel was a Holocaust survivor, author, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate whose work detailed the stories of the... Continue Reading →
This June 10th, the USPS is celebrating the unveiling of a commemorative Forever Stamp for First Lady Barbara Bush. It is a First Day of Issue Dedication Ceremony to be held in Kennebunkport, Maine. You can RSVP at http://usps.com/barbarabushstamp. Barbara Bush was first lady from 1989 to 1993, married to George H. W. Bush. She... Continue Reading →
https://youtu.be/98vVrxeXQNU This is a great American Philately Society (APS) chat session with Howard Summers. Howard has been trying to integrate stamp collecting with film in his works. He points out that media stereotypes of stamp collectors emphasize monetary value. They neglect the aesthetic beauty and the science seen in stamp collecting. The conversation includes how... Continue Reading →
https://stamps.org/news/c/news/cat/us-new-issues/post/usps-provides-sneak-peek-at-2025-stamps USPS stamps for 2025 will focus on leaf stamps like Maple, Oak, Sweetgum and Sassafras. A 10 stamp Dahlia flower series is included as well. There are 14 stunning Appalachian Trail stamps. These stamps feature states covered by the 2,200 mile footpath along this iconic natural wonder. Pop culture is represented with a new... Continue Reading →
Ebony Society of Philatelic Events and Reflections (ESPER) has a wonderful cover of Tito Jackson (1953-2024) here - https://www.esperstamps.org/product-page/tito-jackson-memorial-cover. https://www.esperstamps.org/product-page/tito-jackson-memorial-cover I remember enjoying the Tito with his brothers from the famous Jackson 5 boy group back in the '70's. He played the guitar while little Michael Jackson was the lead singer. Tito was also a... Continue Reading →
Have you noticed that the end of the year has come soooo fast! It seems like we have been thrust into Winter time just like that. To honor the winter, check out the Winter Whimsy stamps for the USPS. I LOVE these Forever stamps! 😍😍😍 https://stamps.org/news/c/news/cat/us-new-issues/post/usps-releases-a-flurry-of-winter-whimsy-stamps The snowflake image is in white over the flattering... Continue Reading →
There is a great Topical Reference Page at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum site dedicated to African Americans in philately. Topical Reference Pages are essentially compilation pages. They include all links to exhibitions about a topic by the staff at the museum. These pages are well-organized, easy to understand and loaded with background stories to... Continue Reading →
Great News…October is National Stamp Collecting Month! New members to the American Philately Society (APS) can get special offers like $5 of membership. Check this membership "join now" page here - https://stamps.org/join-now
Registration is now open for the 2024 Postal History Symposium and Exhibition/Bourse Sponsored by the U.S. Philatelic Classics Society! If you haven't already, click the button below to register for the event and let us know what days you plan to attend.RegisterAbout the Event The 13th biennial Postal History Symposium will be held at the American Philatelic Center on November... Continue Reading →
You're InvitedThe United States Postal Service cordially invites you to attend the Hanukkah Commemorative Forever Stamp first day of issue dedication ceremony. The ceremony will take place on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern. The ceremony will be held at the Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum, located at 575 3rd Street NW, Washington, DC. For... Continue Reading →
Event is May 2-4. Check it out and register here: https://stampex.vfairs.com/
Thanks for visiting SOSC, (pronounced "so-sh") and stands for State of Stamp Collecting. Here I showcase postage stamps and postal-related material with special emphasis on USA Philatelic Catalog, US first day covers, Black culture, technology, art and space.
State of Stamp Collecting 