End of the Pacific ’97 Stamp Show
On June 8, 1997, the ninth U.S. stamp show came to an end. Pacific ’97 was the first IPEX (International Philatelic Exhibition) held on the West Coast.
Postal History
U.S. Issues Its Only Certified Mail Stamp
On June 6, 1955, the US Post Office issued its first and only Certified Mail Stamp, US #FA1. The stamp gave mail special protection and provided the sender with proof of delivery.
The First Telegraphic Message
On May 24, 1844, Samuel Morse sent the first message over telegraph. While in the Supreme Court chamber of the US Capitol, he sent the message “What hath God wrought!” over the telegraph to his assistant in Baltimore, Maryland.
First Commissioned Female Airmail Pilot
On May 23, 1918, Katherine Stinson became the first woman hired by the post office to deliver airmail in the US. She had several other notable firsts and records in her short flying career.
Private Mailing Card Act
On May 19, 1898, Congress passed the Private Mailing Card Act. The act allowed private printers to produce their own postcards with the same postage rate as government-issued cards.
Butterfly Series
On May 17, 2010, the USPS issued the first stamp in the Butterfly Series. The stamps were created for use on envelopes that couldn’t be sorted on the USPS’s automated equipment, otherwise known as “nonmachinable.” They’re often used for greeting cards.
BEP’s First Photogravure Stamp
On May 8, 1971, the USPS issued the first stamp printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) on its new Andreotti photogravure press. The press enabled the BEP to print stamps with more colors more affordably.
Huguenot-Walloon Tercentenary
On May 1, 1924, the US Post Office issued a set of three stamps known as the Huguenot-Walloon Tercentenary Issue. The stamps honored the role of Protestant immigrants in settling America.
The Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee
On April 30, 1957, the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee opened its first meeting. The committee receives tens of thousands of stamp proposals every year and passes on their recommendations to the US Postmaster General who makes the final decision.