Massachusetts Museum Plans Busy Start To 2025

Posted on January 18, 2025 by VSC

Click on this picture for a larger, easier-to-read version

Boston 2026 Seeks 3 Million Stamps

Posted on January 18, 2025 by VSC

[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.

Boston 2026’s Second Bulletin Available

Posted on January 18, 2025 by VSC

[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.

USPS Announces 2025 Inaugural Postmarks

Posted on January 17, 2025 by VSC

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

Canada’s 2025 Stamp Program

Posted on January 16, 2025 by VSC

The 2025 program overview story is here.

Updated May 3, 2025. Not all these dates and issues have been confirmed.

Date
EKU Jan. 13
Jan. 31
Mar. 3
March 10
March 21
April 4
April 28
Sept?
late Oct.
—
—
—
—
—
Nov.?
Nov.?

Subject
From Far and Wide definitives
Marie Joseph Angélique (Black History)
Peonies (two stamps + souvenir sheet)
Eid
Brian Mulroney
Blue Rodeo
CP Community Foundation: Giraffes
Truth & Reconciliation
Barrier-Breaking War Heroes
Graphic Novelists
Indigenous Leaders
Civilian Internment
Biodiversity: Fascinating Fungi
Diwali
Hanukkah
Christmas

Scott #
3477-3482
3484
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—

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.

Overview: Canada’s 2025 Stamp Program

Posted on January 16, 2025 by VSC

Announced January 16:

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.

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.

New Postal Rates for Canada (January 13, 2025)

Posted on January 13, 2025 by VSC

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Price of a domestic stamp increases by 25 cents
New postage rates better align stamp prices with rising cost of providing letter mail service

OTTAWA, ON, Jan. 13, 2025 /CNW/ – As was announced in September, Canada Post is increasing postage rates effective today. For stamps purchased in a booklet, coil or pane, which represent most stamp sales, the rate increases by 25 cents, to $1.24 per stamp. The price of a single domestic stamp increases to $1.44, up from $1.15.

For the last decade, Canada Post has kept regulated letter mail rate increases to a minimum. Today’s rate change represents a one-time increase of roughly 25 per cent, which is required to better align stamp prices with the rising cost of providing letter mail service to all Canadians. Every year, there are fewer letters to deliver to more addresses, which adds significant cost pressures to the Corporation on top of continued inflationary pressures.

While rate increases are necessary, Canada Post understands that they mean additional costs for customers, and the Corporation works to minimize the impact. For the average Canadian household, the estimated impact of the rate increase is $2.26 per year. For the average Canadian small business, the estimated impact is $42.17 per year. (Estimate based on average annual spending of businesses and households.)

Regulatory approval of new rates
Changes to Canada Post’s regulated letter mail rates follow the regulatory process outlined in the Canada Post Corporation Act. The proposed rate changes were published in the Canada Gazette in September 2024 and received final regulatory approval in late November. As an organization funded by revenue from the sale of its products and services – not taxpayer dollars – rate changes are a reality.

Canadians can continue to use their Permanent™ stamps, which will always be accepted at the current domestic postage price. The rate changes also affect other products, including U.S., international letter-post and domestic Registered Mail™ items. Commercial letter mail price changes, also effective today, correspond to the regulated letter mail rate increase.

From Far and Wide Definitives (Canada 2025)

Posted on January 13, 2025 by VSC

A VSC Exclusive
By Danforth Guy

What’s not so old is new again.

The January 13^th rate increases require a few new issues from Canada Post, marking the first stamps of 2025 from the corporation. No stamps or their subjects had been announced until the issues appeared on the service’s website. The four stamps recycle denominated designs from the ‘From Far and Wide’ series of definitives issued in May 2024:

Point Prim Lighthouse, P.E.I., is reissued as a $1.44 stamp (up from $1.15) intended for single-stamp sales to cover domestic postage. For sale in coil strips of 4 and 10, and coils of 50. No booklet, as booklet stamps are priced lower (as P stamps at the rate of $1.24).
Thousand Islands National Park, Ontario — reissued as a $1.75 stamp (up from $1.40) for US-bound mail. For sale in coil strips of 4 and 10, and coils of 50.
Restigouche River, New Brunswick — reissued at $2.61 (up from $2.09) to cover the oversized rate. For sale in booklets of 6, coil strips of 4 and 10, and coils of 50.
Qarlinngua sea arch, Arctic Bay, Nunavut — reissued at $3.65 (up from $2.92) as the international rate (outside the US). For sale in booklets of 6, coil strips of 4 and 10, and coils of 50.

No souvenir sheet will be issued with the newly-priced stamps. Last May, the four denominated stamps were combined with five P-rate stamps on one souvenir sheet.

Because these four stamps do not have new designs, no first-day postmark or first day coers were offered.

Here are images of the other three stamps:

Updated May 3, 2025:
Here are the Scott catalogue numbers for this issue:
• 3477 $1.44 coil stamp
• 3478 $1.75 coil stamp
• 3479 $2.61 coil stamp
• 3481 $1.75 booklet stamp (booklet of 6)
• 3482 $2.61 booklet stamp (booklet of 6)

Goodnight Moon (US 2025)

Posted on January 13, 2025 by VSC

The USPS announced this issue on January 13^th. No date of issue was given:

First published in 1947, “Goodnight Moon” remains a favorite bedtime story for families everywhere. By celebrating everyday rituals rather than fantasy, this iconic picture book revolutionized children’s publishing. The pane of 16 stamps features eight images from the book, which was illustrated by Clement Hurd and written by Margaret Wise Brown. Derry Noyes, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps.

You can click any image on this page for a much-larger version. Additional information will appear below the line, with the most-recent at the top.

Updated April 3^rd:
[event advisory] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Goodnight Moon Stamps to be Unveiled at The Rabbit hOle

What: The U.S. Postal Service will unveil its Goodnight Moon stamps at The Rabbit hOle in North Kansas City, MO, on May 2 as part of an event leading up to Children’s Book Week (May 5-11). The Rabbit hOle is a new museum experience that celebrates and brings to life a century of American children’s literature, including Goodnight Moon, for visitors of all ages. This pane of Forever stamps honors the remarkable impact of Goodnight Moon by featuring scenes from the beloved best-selling picture book.

The first-day-of-issue event for the Goodnight Moon stamps is free and open to the public. News of the stamps is being shared with the hashtag #GoodnightMoonStamps.

Who: Thacher Hurd, children’s book creator and the son of Goodnight Moon illustrator Clement Hurd. He will be one of the special guests at the unveiling, sharing memories of his father and Goodnight Moon author Margaret Wise Brown, as well as reading the book aloud.

When: Friday, May 2, 2025, at 11 a.m. Central

Where:
The Rabbit hOle [link]
919 E. 14th Ave.
North Kansas City, MO 64116

RSVP: Attendees are encouraged to register at usps.com/goodnightmoonstamps.

Background: As favorite bedtime reading for more than 75 years, Goodnight Moon allows children to imagine themselves in the cozy bedroom of a young bunny, saying good night to everything they see. This quiet, lullaby-like book also encourages children to look around their own rooms and, together with their parents, improvise on the comforting ritual in any way they would like.

“In the great green room,” the beloved picture book begins, “There was a telephone / And a red balloon.” The lilting, hypnotic rhythm of the text by author Margaret Wise Brown (1910–1952) casts a tender spell over young listeners, reassuring them that all the familiar things of daily life will still be there in the morning. “Goodnight clocks / And goodnight socks,” the book continues. “Goodnight little house / And goodnight mouse.”

The illustrations created by Clement Hurd (1908–1988) alternate between panoramic views of the vibrantly colored bedroom and black-and-white close-ups of particular objects. At first brightly lit, the scene grows gradually darker, echoing slumber’s slow descent.

Published by Harper & Brothers in 1947, Goodnight Moon began its remarkable rise in popularity in the 1950s, in large part due to word of mouth among parents. Today, it is among the bestselling children’s books of all time.

Derry Noyes, an art director for USPS, designed the pane using Clement Hurd’s illustrations. As Forever stamps, the Goodnight Moon stamps will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.

Updated March 20^th:
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue:The Digital Color Postmark for this issue measures 2.54″ x 1.14″The Pictorial Postmark for this issue measures 2.66″ x 0.95 The “special” postmark, for use at post offices other than North Kansas City, measures 2.76″ x 1.14″

From the Postal Bulletin:
On May 2, 2025, in North Kansas City, MO, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Goodnight Moon stamps (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in eight designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 16 stamps (Item 486200). These stamps will go on sale nationwide May 2, 2025, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue. The Goodnight Moon commemorative pane of 20 stamps must not be split and the stamps must not be sold individually.

Goodnight Moon revolutionized children’s publishing when it debuted in 1947 and has since become favorite bedtime reading for millions of families around the world. The story allows children to imagine themselves in the cozy bedroom of a young bunny, saying goodnight to everything they see. This pane of 16 stamps features eight vibrantly colored details from the beloved picture book.

A reproduction of the book’s cover image fills the center of the pane and includes the names of the author, Margaret Wise Brown, and the illustrator, Clement Hurd. The back of the pane features a black-and-white rendering of the bedroom. The book‘s title appears above the scene, with its closing words, “Goodnight stars / Goodnight air / Goodnight noises everywhere.” Art director Derry Noyes designed the pane using existing art by Clement Hurd.

Automatic distribution.

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 120 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office™ or at The Postal Store® website at usps.com/shop. They must affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

FDOI – Goodnight Moon Stamps
USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64144-9900

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by September 2, 2025.
Technical Specifications:

Issue: Goodnight Moon Stamps
Item Number: 486200
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 16 (8 designs)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: May 2, 2025, North Kansas City, MO 64116
Art Director: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Designer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Existing Art: Clement Hurd
Modeler: Sandra Lane / Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Flexographic
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Gallus RCS
Stamps per Pane: 16
Print Quantity: 20,000,000
Paper Type: Phosphor, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Horizontal
Image Area (w x h): 1.4200 x 1.0850 in. / 36.0680 x 27.5590 mm.
Overall Size (w x h): 1.5600 x 1.2250 in. / 39.6240 x 31.1150 mm.
Full Pane Size (w x h): 7.2400 x 7.1200 in. / 183.8960 x 180.8480 mm.
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 14.4800 x 21.3600 in. / 367.7920 x 542.5440 mm.
Plate Size: 96 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “B” followed by four (4) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: GOODNIGHT MOON • Selvage text • Plate number in four corners
Back: Verso Artwork from Goodnight Moon • © 2025 USPS • USPS logo • Two barcodes (486200) • Plate position diagram (6) • Promotional text

Updated March 6^th:
These stamps will be issued May 2 in North Kansas City, MO.

SpongeBob SquarePants (US 2025)

Posted on January 13, 2025 by VSC

The USPS announced this issue on January 13^th. No date of issue was given:

The blend of humor, wit, and absurdity in the Nickelodeon animated series “SpongeBob SquarePants” created by Stephen Hillenburg has made it one of the most beloved television shows of the 21st century. Each episode features the perpetually optimistic and generous main character SpongeBob SquarePants as he embarks on adventures in Bikini Bottom with a colorful cast of characters. These stamps will amuse and delight their recipients, whether your card or letter is addressed to a house across town — or a pineapple under the sea. Greg Breeding, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps, with artwork provided by Nickelodeon.