The National Postal Museum, Washington DC

 

The United States Postal Service has a history that is longer than the country itself. It was established in 1775 by the 2nd Continental Congress. It is such a part of American history that in 1886, the Smithsonian Institute established the National Philatelic Collection. The collection was housed at the Arts and Industry Building until 1963.

The collection was moved to the Museum of American History when it opened in 1964. Here the collection was expanded to include more artifacts from the history of the Postal Service. In 1993, the main post office in DC was renovated, and the National Postal Museum was established and moved into its current home there. 

Benjamin Franklin by William Zorach. Franklin was the first Postmaster General

On the main floor of the Post Office is the new home for the Philatelic Collection. This large gallery contains a range of stamps form U.S. history, along with at least one stamp for almost every country in the world.

The lower level of the Post Office is where to find the main galleries of the museum. Here are galleries that display the history of sending and processing mail.

Hand stamps for canceling postage

The Village Tavern by John Lewis Krimmel

The main atrium houses many examples of the many ways that mail has been transported around the country. From stagecoach to trains. From 18-wheelers to planes. We can see the various ways that our envelopes have been brought across this nation.

 

When I visited, there was a temporary exhibit dedicated to America’s pastime. “Baseball. -America’s Homer” explores the history of ways that the Postal Service has celebrated baseball through the years by producing stamps highlighting players and stadiums. 

As in many cities, the main post office was built next to the main train station, and Washington DC is no exception. Across the street is the beautiful Union Station, with its beautiful architecture.

If you are a stamp collector, a mail aficionado, or just interested in a bit of history, The U.S. Postal Museum is a wonderful place to visit.

Nuts and Bolts

• The U.S. Postal Museum is located at 2 Massachusetts Av NE, Washington DC
• It is open Daily 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM. Admission if free to all