[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions] Boston 2026 U.S. Commissioners Named
Three regional U.S. commissioners have been announced by Boston 2026 World Expo to handle the transport and care of exhibits before, during and after the show.
Representing the East is Chris Lazaroff, a well-established first day cover creator and enthusiast since the 1980s. He has been instrumental in promoting all aspects of FDC collecting to philatelists worldwide and an active advocate of the cachet maker bourse nationally. Chris was appointed U.S. commissioner to the IBRA 2022 exhibition in Germany, WSC Exhibition Thailand 2023, EFIRO 2023 in Romania and to the upcoming Uruguay 2025 and Liberec 2025 exhibitions. Among the former American First Day Cover Society president‘s accomplishments was reaching his goal of attending U.S. first day ceremonies in all 50 states between 1982 and 2016.
The Central commissioner is Gregory Shoults, a well-known exhibitor whose single and multi-frame exhibits on various aspects of the Third Bureau Washington-Franklin coils have won top honors, making several appearances in the APS Champion of Champions over the past 15 years. Most recently he was the CAPEX 2022 U.S. commissioner in Toronto and earlier was appointed to Brasiliana 2013 in Rio de Janeiro. Greg has been the exhibits chair for the Garfield Perry March Party national stamp show in Cleveland, Ohio, for the past 10 years. He belongs to numerous philatelic organizations, holding positions in many of them.
Vesma Grinfelds of California will be in charge of exhibitors from the West. She was the prior U.S. Commissioner to Korea 2014, New York 2016, Jerusalem 2016, Prague 2018, Indonesia 2022, IBRA 2023, Bangkok 2023, Mare Balticum in Estonia 2024 and will continue the role for the upcoming PhilaKorea 2025. She is active in the Collectors Club of San Francisco, American Association of Philatelic Exhibitors (AAPE) and Rossica. For many years Vesma has been the Director of the AAPE Youth Champions of Champions competition held at GASS annually. She received the 2024 APS Kehr Award for service to guarantee the future of the hobby.
Overseeing the three will be Commissioner General Yamil Kouri and Deputy Commissioner General Dzintars Grinfelds.
Boston 2026 World Expo takes place May 23-30, 2026, at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. Full show details may be found at Boston2026.org and on Twitter and Facebook. Sign up to be added to the Boston 2026 email list and receive updates when available.
[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions] New Black History Month stamp features Marie Joseph Angélique Accused of a crime she denied doing, Angélique’s story sheds light on the history of – and resistance to – enslavement in what is now Canada
MONTRÉAL – Canada Post today unveiled its 2025 Black History Month stampfeaturing Marie Joseph Angélique. Her harrowing story reminds us of the history ofenslavement in what is now Canada – and sheds light on how those who wereenslaved resisted their bondage.
On April 10, 1734, a fire broke out in Montréal that engulfed much of the city’smerchant quarter. Dozens of buildings and homes burned down. Angélique, a 29-year-old enslaved Black woman, was arrested. It was alleged that she lit the fire toescape her enslaver after learning she had been sold and would potentially be sentto the West Indies.
Her trial lasted several weeks and included more than 20 witnesses, although notone is believed to have seen the crime committed. Most accused Angéliquebecause she had tried to escape before, and they said she had a history ofrebelling against and threatening her enslaver.
Angélique maintained her innocence throughout the trial. “Madam, although I maybe wicked, I am not miserable enough to do an act like that,” she said during her interrogation. However, the courts found herguilty. They condemned her to death and had her tortured to force a confession. On June 21, 1734, she was publicly hanged.
Although historians disagree on whether Angélique was guilty, her story continues to encourage ongoing conversations aboutracial equality, justice and the importance of acknowledging the complexities of Canada’s past.
About the stamp
The stamp features an illustration of Marie Joseph Angélique, who is shown with agency and resolve while defiantly facing theviewer. With no known portraits of Angélique, the illustration was based on a photograph taken by Jorge Camarotti of actor andmodel Penande Estime.
The stamp was designed by Nathalie Cusson of Scooter Design, illustrated by Alexis Eke and printed by Colour Innovations. Theissue includes a booklet of six Permanent™ stamps and an Official First Day Cover. The cancel site is Montréal.
Stamps and collectibles are available at canadapost.ca and at select postal outlets across Canada.
[en Francais pour les médias d’information] Un nouveau timbre du Mois de l’histoire des Noirs met en vedette Marie Joseph Angélique L’histoire de Marie Joseph Angélique, accusée d’un crime qu’elle nie avoir commis, rappelle l’existence de l’esclavagisme et la résistance à cette pratique dans ce qui est maintenant le Canada.
MONTRÉAL – Postes Canada a dévoilé aujourd’hui son timbre du Mois de l’histoire des Noirs 2025 à l’effigie de Marie Joseph Angélique. Son histoire poignante nous rappelle l’existence de l’esclavagisme dans ce qui est maintenant le Canada, et le combat de ceux et celles qui ont trouvé des façons d’y résister.
Le 10 avril 1734, un incendie ravage une grande partie du quartier marchand de Montréal. Des dizaines de maisons et de bâtiments sont rasés. Marie Joseph Angélique, une esclave noire de 29 ans, est arrêtée. On dit qu’elle aurait allumé l’incendie pour échapper à sa maîtresse après avoir appris qu’elle avait été vendue et qu’elle pourrait être envoyée dans les Antilles.
Son procès dure plusieurs semaines; plus de 20 personnes sont appelées à témoigner, mais aucune ne semble avoir été témoin du crime. La plupart accusent la jeune femme parce qu’elle avait déjà tenté de s’enfuir, affirmant qu’elle s’était aussi déjà rebellée contre sa maîtresse et l’avait menacée.
Marie Joseph Angélique maintient son innocence tout au long du procès. « Madame, je suis peut-être malveillante, mais je ne suis pas assez misérable pour commettre un tel acte », plaide-t-elle durant son interrogatoire. Elle est toutefois reconnue coupable, condamnée à mort et soumise à la torture jusqu’à l’obtention d’une confession. Le 21 juin 1734, elle est pendue sur la place publique.
Bien que les opinions des spécialistes soient partagées sur la culpabilité ou l’innocence de Marie Joseph Angélique, son histoire continue d’alimenter des conversations sur l’égalité raciale, la justice et l’importance de reconnaître les complexités du passé du Canada.
À propos du timbre
Le timbre présente une illustration de Marie Joseph Angélique au regard à la fois déterminé et défiant. Comme il n’existe aucun portrait connu d’elle, l’illustration est inspirée d’une photo prise par Jorge Camarotti de l’actrice et mannequin Penande Estime.
La vignette a été conçue par Nathalie Cusson de Scooter Design, illustrée par Alexis Eke et imprimée par Colour Innovations. L’émission comprend un carnet de six timbres Permanents🅪 et un pli Premier Jour officiel. Le lieu d’oblitération est Montréal.
Le timbre et les articles de collection sont en vente sur postescanada.ca et dans certains comptoirs postaux au pays.
[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions] Magnificent Armour and Artefacts of the Royal Armouries Celebrated with 12 Special Stamps
The Royal Armouries is the United Kingdom’s national museum of arms and armour
Eight stamps show stunning examples of armour from 1520 to 1686 owned by monarchs including King Henry VIII, King Charles I, King Charles II and King James II. A further four stamps show images of other treasures from the Royal Armouries collection from the UK, Europe and Asia.
The stamps and a range of collectible products are available to pre-order now at www.royalmail.com/royalarmouries and by telephone on 03457 641641
The Royal Armouries’ origins lie in the Middle Ages, and at its core is the celebrated collection originating in the nation’s working arsenal, assembled over many centuries at the Tower of London.
In the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, selected items began to be arranged for display to visitors, making the Royal Armouries one of the oldest deliberately created visitor attractions in the country.
The collection consists of over 75,000 objects from around the globe and spans the ancient world to the present day.
It is displayed at three sites: the White Tower at the Tower of London, a purpose-built museum in Leeds (which includes the National Firearms Centre) and at Fort Nelson near Portsmouth.
David Gold, Director of External Affairs and Policy said: “These stamps show magnificent examples of craftsmanship, engineering and high fashion, proving that for royal warriors of the past, dressing to impress was as important on the battlefield as anywhere else. We are grateful to the Royal Armouries for allowing us to share just a few examples from their collection”.
Jack Wanstall, Senior Licensing and Partnerships Manager, Royal Armouries said: “The Royal Armouries is delighted to be working in partnership with Royal Mail to showcase a selection of objects from our collection of over 75,000 pieces of history. Each object tells a story and we hope these stunning pieces will inspire curiosity about the role of arms and armour in shaping our world”.
The stamps, and a range of collectible products, are available to pre-order now at www.royalmail.com/royalarmouries and by telephone on 03457 641 641. A Presentation Pack including all 12 stamps is priced at £20.10. The stamps go on general sale from 30 January.
[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions] APS Announces New Director of Education
The APS is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Director of Education, Dr. Tomalei Vess of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania.
“We are excited to welcome Tomalei to the team,” said APS Executive Director Scott English. “She brings her extensive experience and passion to help us expand our programs to educate and recruit collectors at all levels. We look forward to her leadership in shaping the future of education and engaging our philatelic community.”
Vess, who holds a PhD in biology from Duke University, has experience in both K-12 and university education, as well as museum education. That experience, in addition to her background in sales and entrepreneurship, will be crucial as she takes over the helm in Education.
In 2025, the department’s focus will be on the creation and launch of Stamp SCHOOL, a community engagement and learning platform established in memory of Stephen “Steve” Campbell. Vess will also be working to expand APS youth programs, develop new philatelic resources, and conduct outreach to stamp collectors of every level.
Joining Vess in establishing these programs is Sarah Aldrich, who was recently appointed as both the APS learning coordinator and one of the APRL’s digital projects assistants.
“Sarah and I are excited to learn from and collaborate with our membership, and beyond,” Vess said. “We are ready to create a vibrant space for philatelic education and engagement to sustain and grow the hobby.”
[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
The American First Day Cover Society, the only not-for-profit organization in the world dedicated to the stamp collecting specialty of first day covers, has named Anthony Bard of the United Kingdom as editor of its award-winning journal, First Days.
Tony is also the editor of The London Philatelist, the journal of the Royal Philatelic Society London, as well as the Scandinavian Collectors Club’s The Posthorn, Korean Philately and The Mayflower for the American Stamp Club of Great Britain. Like First Days, The Posthorn won large gold medals in 2024 Literature competitions.
“I confess to being an incurable philatelist,” he says. “I began as a stamp collector, became (and remained) a postal historian and was even briefly a producer of limited edition Great Britain first day covers.” He has been a fellow of the RPSL since 1990.
Before becoming a full-time postal historian in 2015, Tony owned food businesses (both human and pet). Even before that, however, he won The Royal’s Tapling Medal (left) for the best London Philatelist article in 2014, and his exhibits of the postal history of Jammu and Kashmir have won international gold medals. More recently, he has shown single-frame exhibits of Korean War postal history.
First Days is published six times a year. The AFDCS also publishes handbooks and catalogues, and promotes the collecting of both modern and “classic” issues and cachets, as well as exhibiting FDCs. It offers awards for outstanding first day cover exhibits and annual contests for both serious FDC literature and the best FDC cachets of the past year. It is also a co-host of the annual Great American Stamp Show, which this year is August 14-17 in Schaumburg, Ill.
For more information about the AFDCS, visit www.afdcs.org, e-mail afdcs@afdcs.org or write the AFDCS at Post Office Box 57, Somerset, Wis., 54025-0057.
[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions] Three Million Stamps Needed!
Boston 2026 World Expo calls on all collectors to donate off-paper stamps to build its inventory for use in welcome packets and the youth and beginners’ areas during America’s next international philatelic exhibition.
Coordinating the collection process is Michael Lawson, Boston 2026 Chief Financial Officer, in association with the Spellman Museum of Stamps and Postal History. “World Stamp Show-NY 2016 collected roughly three million stamps for free giveaways in a variety of ways,” said Lawson. “We are again counting on the philatelic community to show their generosity and desire to promote the hobby by donating common, unwanted duplicates we all have an abundance of to our show.”
It may be hard to grasp that many stamps, but artificial intelligence can help. Google’s Gemini explained it this way. With an average thickness of 0.01 inches per stamp, a three million stamp stack would span 2,500 feet, nearly half a mile, or roughly the height of a 200-story building.
Donations of any quantity would be welcomed, mint and used, but all should be off-paper and sorted by US and non-US if possible. Any on-paper material is to be soaked before sending. Stamp clubs are especially encouraged to participate by holding a soaking/collection program with their members. Dealer stock, including hundreds of the same stamp, may also be sent. Any glassines and tongs sent are much appreciated. As a 501(c)3 organization, Boston 2026 donations may be tax-deductible to the donor.
Items are to be mailed to: Spellman Museum of Stamps and Postal History, Attn: Michael Lawson/Boston 2026, Regis College, 241 Wellesley Street Weston, MA 02493. Please include a note with an email address to receive confirmation of receipt.
Boston 2026 World Expo takes place May 23-30, 2026, at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. Full show details may be found at boston2026.org and on Twitter and Facebook. Sign up to be added to the Boston 2026 email list and receive updates when available.
[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions] Boston 2026 Bulletin #2 Now Available
The second Boston 2026 bulletin detailing information about the show with emphasis on exhibit rules and registration has just been released and is available in electronic format on the show’s web site at boston2026.org.
The 44-page document includes the official IREX (Individual Regulations particular to Boston 2026) as required by the governing body of international exhibiting, the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP), having granted the show its Recognition.
Boston 2026 is not just one but several exhibitions taking place at the same time hosting the collective best of the world’s renowned exhibitors. The largest is the FIP Exhibition comprised of mostly competitive exhibits among 4,000 frames that are judged and vie for medal awards from bronze to large gold and special prizes, as will the Literature Class entrants.
A separate Polar Salon of 200 frames of both competitive exhibits and non-competitive displays will also take place along with a German-American Salon of 50 non-competitive frames. The annual 2026 APS Champion of Champions Competition rounds out the exhibitions.
Additional non-competitive displays add to the rarities, including a world-class Court of Honor along with institutional, ephemera and other invited exhibits.
Only electronic applications will be accepted for all exhibition types through the appropriate form. All will be online when the new Boston 2026 web site is unveiled in a few weeks.
Bulletin #2 additionally provides a timeline of show deadlines, information for societies and postal administrations, and includes two topical articles highlighting Boston area women and African Americans on stamps.
Boston 2026 World Expo takes place May 23-30, 2026, at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. Full show details may be found at boston2026.org and on Twitter and Facebook. Sign up to be added to the Boston 2026 email list and receive updates when available.
The USPS will offer two postmarks to commemorate the 2025 inauguration:The dimensions are 2.72″ x 1.26″ This postmark measures 3.38″ x 1.0″
The Inauguration Day postmarks will be available only from Cancellation Services in Kansas City:
Inauguration Day Postmarks Cancellation Services 8300 NE Underground Drive, Pillar 210 Kansas City MO 64144-0001
Send your envelopes and cards to this address, with sufficient postage on each to meet the first-class rate (such as a Forever stamp, or a combination equaling or exceeding 73¢)
Updated January 21:
I was surprised at the paucity of postmarks, given that PMG Louis DeJoy [right] was a major donor to President Trump’s first presidential campaign and was picked by the Postal Service’s Board of Governors, all of whom were appointed by Trump. But the Washington Post reports that not only are they no longer friendly, but the Trump team is looking to oust DeJoy. A key reason, WaPo says, was the postal agency’s support of voting-by-mail in the 2020 election. [You made need a subscription to read the full story.] —LdeV
Updated January 30, 2025. Not all these dates and issues have been confirmed.
Date
EKU Jan. 13
Jan. 31
Mar. 3
March 10
March 20?
April?
June?
Sept?
late Oct.
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Nov.?
Nov.?
Subject From Far and Wide definitives Marie Joseph Angélique (Black History)
Peonies (two stamps)
Eid
Brian Mulroney
CP Community Foundation
Places of Pride (2SLGBTQIA+ rights)
Truth & Reconciliation
Barrier-Breaking War Heroes
Graphic Novelists
Indigenous Leaders
Civilian Internment
Biodiversity: Fascinating Fungi
Diwali
Hanukkah
Christmas
Scott #
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For all Canadian new issues:
[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions] Former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and historic Canadian places of Pride among topics recognized in Canada’s 2025 stamps Canada Post continues to share the stories of people and places that are meaningful to Canadians
OTTAWA – Canada Post has announced its 2025 stamp lineup, which includes influential figures and key milestones that have shaped Canadian history and culture. Here are some highlights of the 2025 program:
As part of a longstanding tradition of commemorating former Canadian prime ministers, Canada Post will pay tribute to the late Right Honourable Brian Mulroney, who served as the 18th prime minister of Canada from 1984 to 1993.
Commemorating places and events that set the stage for the evolution of 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, ahead of Pride Season in Canada.
The Black History Month stamp remembers Marie Joseph Angélique, an enslaved Black woman charged with arson in Montréal in 1734.
The second issue in a series showcasing Canadian graphic novelists and the fourth issue celebrating Indigenous leaders.
Shining a light on the dark history of civilian internment in Canada.
New stamps explore the importance of biodiversity with fascinating fungi.
The list also features still to be announced stamps recognizing cultural icons and other topics from these anticipated annual stamp series:
A fundraising stamp for the Canada Post Community Foundation, supporting children and youth across Canada.
The annual flower series will focus on peonies, perennial showstoppers known as the king of flowers.
Raising awareness about truth and reconciliation through new stamps to be issued around the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, September 30, 2025.
The Remembrance Day issue honours Canadian war heroes who broke down barriers to serve their country.
Eid, Diwali, Hanukkah and Christmas stamps will mark these special occasions.
Canada Post takes pride in telling Canada’s stories through its iconic national stamp program. The independent Stamp Advisory Committee recommends the subjects for the annual program. Members rely on thoughtful input from groups and individuals to choose subjects that capture the country’s rich history and culture and reflect the shared values of Canadians.
[en Francais pour les médias d’information] L’ancien premier ministre Brian Mulroney et des lieux de la Fierté historiques au Canada parmi les sujets figurant sur les timbres de 2025 Postes Canada poursuit sa tradition de raconter l’histoire de personnes et d’endroits significatifs pour la population canadienne.
OTTAWA – Postes Canada a annoncé aujourd’hui son programme de timbres poste de 2025, qui mettra en lumière des personnalités influentes et des moments importants qui ont façonné l’histoire et la culture du Canada. Voici les principaux sujets du programme :
Fidèle à sa longue tradition de commémorer les anciens premiers ministres canadiens, Postes Canada rendra hommage au très honorable Brian Mulroney, 18e premier ministre du Canada de 1984 à 1993.
En prévision de la saison de la Fierté au Canada, une émission célébrera des lieux et des événements où les droits de la communauté 2ELGBTQIA+ ont commencé à prendre forme.
Le timbre du Mois de l’histoire des Noirs salue Marie Joseph Angélique, esclave noire accusée d’incendie criminel à Montréal en 1734.
Seront publiées la deuxième émission d’une série mettant en vedette des artistes d’ici de romans graphiques et la quatrième émission célébrant des leaders autochtones.
Un timbre témoignera de la sombre histoire de l’internement de membres de la population civile au Canada.
Des timbres sur de fascinantes espèces de champignons exploreront l’importance de la biodiversité.
La liste comprend aussi des sujets de timbres qui n’ont pas encore été annoncés, qui rendront hommage à des icônes culturelles, ainsi que des timbres de séries annuelles toujours attendues :
Le timbre philanthropique de la Fondation communautaire de Postes Canada qui vient en aide aux enfants et aux jeunes partout au pays.
La série annuelle sur les fleurs, consacrée cette année à la pivoine, magnifique annuelle aussi désignée « le roi des fleurs ».
De nouveaux timbres pour la sensibilisation à la vérité et à la réconciliation, émis vers le 30 septembre 2025, Journée nationale de la vérité et de la réconciliation.
L’émission du jour du Souvenir en hommage à des héros de guerre du Canada qui ont surmonté des obstacles pour servir leur pays.
Les timbres de l’Aïd, de Diwali, de Hanoukka et de Noël.
Postes Canada est fière de raconter l’histoire de notre pays grâce à son programme national des timbres-poste. Le Comité consultatif sur les timbres-poste recommande les sujets du programme annuel. Il compte sur les commentaires éclairés de groupes et d’individus pour choisir des sujets qui reflètent l’histoire et la culture si riches du pays et les valeurs communes de la population canadienne.
Representing the East is Chris Lazaroff, a well-established first day cover creator and enthusiast since the 1980s. He has been instrumental in promoting all aspects of FDC collecting to philatelists worldwide and an active advocate of the cachet maker bourse nationally. Chris was appointed U.S. commissioner to the IBRA 2022 exhibition in Germany, WSC Exhibition Thailand 2023, EFIRO 2023 in Romania and to the upcoming Uruguay 2025 and Liberec 2025 exhibitions. Among the former American First Day Cover Society president‘s accomplishments was reaching his goal of attending U.S. first day ceremonies in all 50 states between 1982 and 2016.
The Central commissioner is Gregory Shoults, a well-known exhibitor whose single and multi-frame exhibits on various aspects of the Third Bureau Washington-Franklin coils have won top honors, making several appearances in the APS Champion of Champions over the past 15 years. Most recently he was the CAPEX 2022 U.S. commissioner in Toronto and earlier was appointed to Brasiliana 2013 in Rio de Janeiro. Greg has been the exhibits chair for the Garfield Perry March Party national stamp show in Cleveland, Ohio, for the past 10 years. He belongs to numerous philatelic organizations, holding positions in many of them.
Vesma Grinfelds of California will be in charge of exhibitors from the West. She was the prior U.S. Commissioner to Korea 2014, New York 2016, Jerusalem 2016, Prague 2018, Indonesia 2022, IBRA 2023, Bangkok 2023, Mare Balticum in Estonia 2024 and will continue the role for the upcoming PhilaKorea 2025. She is active in the Collectors Club of San Francisco, American Association of Philatelic Exhibitors (AAPE) and Rossica. For many years Vesma has been the Director of the AAPE Youth Champions of Champions competition held at GASS annually. She received the 2024 APS Kehr Award for service to guarantee the future of the hobby.
Overseeing the three will be Commissioner General Yamil Kouri and Deputy Commissioner General Dzintars Grinfelds.
