8 AFDCS-Sponsored Boston 2026 Postmarks

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AFDCS Sponsors 8 Postmarks for Boston 2026:
One Pictorial for Each Day

In addition to the daily “theme” postmarks provided by the U.S. Postal Service and the various first-day cancels, the American First Day Cover Society has announced eight AFDCS Station postmarks that will be available to collectors at the Boston 2026 World Expo show.

AFDCS Membership chair Trevor Bills led the effort for the postmarks. The special days of the show, to be commemorated both by the USPS and the AFDCS cancels, are:

    • May 23 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Day
    • May 24 Favorite Stamp Day
    • May 25 Stamp Collectors Day
    • May 26 Letter Writing Day
    • May 27 International Peace Day
    • May 28 Sports Day
    • May 29 Honoring Heroes Day
    • May 30 Youth and Family Day

Each postmark should be available at the USPS Cancellations Booth at the show starting on its date and then for the rest of the show. Each design measures 1.50- by 2.50 inches.

The AFDCS is also producing and selling the Official Souvenir Show Covers [link to that story], one for each day of the show, with cachets (designs) by professional philatelic artist Chris Calle. These will be available at the AFDCS Booth, Tables 18-20, in the Americas Pavilion.

The American First Day Cover Society is a not-for-profit educational organization. In addition to holding an annual Cachetmaking Contest, the AFDCS also publishes its award-winning bimonthly magazine First Days, handbooks and catalogues, and promotes the collecting of both modern and “classic” issues and cachets, as well as exhibiting FDCs. It also offers awards for outstanding first day cover exhibits and is a co-host of the annual Great American Stamp Show. However, its annual Americover convention will be held in 2026 in conjunction with the BALPEX stamp show, August 7-9, near BWI Airport in Maryland.

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, WI 54025-0057.

Interactive Lego Display at Boston 2026

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NELUG LEGO User Group to Present Large Interactive Display at Boston 2026 World Expo

BOSTON, MA — Visitors to the Boston 2026 World Expo will find a unique intersection of philately and brick building when the New England LEGO Users Group (NELUG) presents a major LEGO display during the international stamp exhibition.

NELUG will occupy an exhibition space of nearly 4,000 square feet, creating one of the largest themed displays on the show floor. The area will feature a wide range of custom LEGO models and interactive elements designed to celebrate both mail and creativity.

Among the highlights will be postal-themed LEGO creations, including builds inspired by post offices, mail transportation and the history of postal communication. A special section will also showcase LEGO as it appears on postage stamps from around the world, highlighting how the iconic brick has been celebrated in philately by numerous postal administrations.

A centerpiece of the display will be a large Boston skyline mosaic built entirely from LEGO bricks, paying tribute to the host city of the exhibition.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to participate in a hands-on community mosaic build during the entire show. Attendees will help assemble two large collaborative mosaics: one depicting the Boston 2026 World Expo stamp, and another featuring the 2026 United States Happy Birthday stamp design. Participants will be invited to place bricks that gradually bring these images to life over the course of the weekend.

Additional activities are planned throughout the LEGO display area. A special commemorative postcard created for the exhibit will be distributed to visitors, and collectors will be able to visit a brick-themed handstamp station, where the postcard can be postmarked as a souvenir of the event.

NELUG was established in 1999 to create a community for adult fans to share their passion for all things LEGO related. NELUG provides members the opportunity to meet and build camaraderie through online interactions, virtual and in-person meetings, and events. Members share knowledge and resources, build innovative creations both collectively and individually, and engage with the public during events such as community builds, museum displays, and conventions. https://www.nelug.org/

Support for the exhibit is being provided Boston 2026 with coordination by Scott Stamp LLC, publisher of the Scott catalogs, Linn’s Stamp News and Scott Stamp Monthly.

The Boston 2026 World Expo, an international philatelic exhibition sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP), will take place May 23–30, 2026, at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.

LEGO is a trademark of the LEGO Group of companies, which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this exhibit or the New England LEGO Users Group.

More Postal Agencies at Boston 2026

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Postal Administrations at Boston 2026

Even at this late date, with the show 17 days before opening, the list of postal agencies and administrations attending Boston 2026 World Expo is growing.

Inter-Governmental Philatelic Corporation (IGPC), overseas agent for many postal administrations around the world, has just announced they will be at Boston 2026 in Booth G522 representing three major clients, the United Kingdom, Israel and the Marshall Islands, selling the latest new issue stamps.

Similarly, Stampera is bringing new issues from many of its clients. Stamps from BEEPOST (Estonia, Finland and Lithuania international private posts), Central African Republic, Djibouti, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone and Togo are expected to be on sale.

Participating countries among the attending postal administrations include: Andorra (Spanish), Bermuda, Cyprus, Faroe Islands, Fiji, Gibraltar, Greenland, Georgia, Guernsey, India, Ireland, Isle of Man, Jersey, Romania, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine and, of course, the United States. The United Nations Postal Administration willl be there, too.

A free philatelic passport is being offered by Scott Stamp LLC, the producers of Linn’s Stamp News and the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue. A traditional fun activity at philatelic internationals is to fill the passport with stamps and their special exhibition cancellation on the appropriate country’s page.

Coming to the show? Register for your free pass here.

Show volunteers are needed Wednesday, May 20 through Sunday, May 31. Just two hours (or more) at your convenience in a variety of positions. Click here or email questions to Volunteer Chairman Jere Dutt (Jere.Dutt@Boston2026.org).

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 Facebook, X and Instagram. Sign up to be added to the Boston 2026 email list and receive updates when available.

Boston 2026 Announces Official Show Covers

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Official Boston 2026 Cachets

Award-winning artist and stamp designer Chris Calle has produced the show’s official set of eight cachets on behalf of Boston 2026 World Expo. He has done so for many prior U.S. national and international shows.

A cachet design has been created for each day’s pictorial postmark theme. For example, on Day 1’s 250th anniversary release, Thomas Jefferson’s face is superimposed over the 13-star flag and Declaration of Independence. The Day 6 Sports Day cachet [shown here] features a soccer play about ready to kick the ball against an oil paint swirl of colors.

Unserviced cachets are $2 each, while serviced covers are $5 using the daily stamp issue and related theme postmark. A complete set of eight is $30. All serviced covers will be numbered in a limited edition of 400 each.

The cachets are being sold in collaboration with the American First Day Cover Society at Society booths 18, 19 and 20 in the Americas Pavilion. Calle will be available daily for autographing these show covers and other postage stamps and philatelic items he has designed over the decades. All options are also offered online for pre-sale mail ordering now and may be viewed exclusively on the AFDCS Marketplace web site at www.afdcs.org/Newly-Added, which also has the society’s complete line of covers for sale. Mail orders (check payable to AFDCS) may be sent to AFDCS Sales, Box 44, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701-0044. Covers will be sent after June 1.

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 Facebook, X and Instagram. Sign up to be added to the Boston 2026 email list and receive updates when available.

Coins To Play a Part in Boston 2026

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Coins Meet Stamps at Boston 2026 World Expo

The American Numismatic Association has confirmed their participation in Boston 2026 World Expo by hosting a booth and organizing a Scouting coin collecting merit badge workshop during the show.

Founded in 1891, the ANA and its membership of 25,000 collectors is headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Its web domain name says it all, money.org, being dedicated to the study, collection, and appreciation of coins, paper currency, and other forms of numismatic items.

The word “stamp” is missing from the Expo’s title. That was intentional early on. While stamps and philately is the show’s primary focus, Boston 2026 is broadening its appeal by welcoming a number of related collectibles on display, in competition, and on sale by dealers. Ephemera and deltiology are just two among them. Coins and banknotes are natural additions to this list, as many collectors delve into multiple areas of interest.

Per Christian Strayhorn, ANA Education Director, “The collaboration’s goal is to share the love of collecting. Whether stamps, or coins, or something else, the collecting community shares a passion for ‘the hunt.’ We saw the Expo as an opportunity to educate philatelists on numismatics, while encouraging cross-over collecting.”

The Scouting coin collecting merit badge workshop is scheduled for May 23 (Saturday) from 2 to 4 PM. The session is limited to 30 youngsters. Those interested may apply by using this link on the Boston 2026 Youth web page https://forms.gle/pcuroZ5pGMVSboJRA and select the coin option. Three stamp collecting workshops are scheduled the following days.

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 Facebook, X and Instagram. Sign up to be added to the Boston 2026 email list and receive updates when available.

On-Site YouTube Studio at Boston 2026

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Exploring Stamps to Host On-Site YouTube Studio at Boston 2026

Exploring Stamps, the popular YouTube channel dedicated to philately and postal history, will host an on-site content studio on the show floor during Boston 2026. Creator Graham Beck will produce video coverage throughout the event, offering a dynamic and modern look at one of the world’s premier stamp exhibitions.

From his booth, Beck will film a range of content including show highlights, notable exhibits, dealer interactions, and conversations with collectors and experts from across the hobby. The studio will also feature a special “show and tell” element, inviting collectors to bring an item from their collection to share on camera.

“This is an exciting opportunity to bring the energy of a world-class stamp show to a global audience,” said Beck. “Boston 2026 will be filled with incredible material, and I’m looking forward to capturing those moments and sharing them with collectors everywhere.”

With a growing international audience, Exploring Stamps has become known for making philately more accessible and engaging through storytelling, visual presentation, and educational content. The Boston 2026 studio will extend that mission by connecting the in-person experience of the show with viewers around the world. Boston 2026 is committed to expanding access to the world of philately beyond the traditional organizations to include all types of collectors and the general public

Attendees are encouraged to stop by the booth, say hello, and take part in the experience.

Exploring Stamps is a YouTube channel focused on the stories, discoveries, and collecting experience behind stamps and postal history. Through a mix of educational and entertaining content, the channel reaches a global audience of collectors and enthusiasts, helping to bring new energy and visibility to the hobby.

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 Facebook, X and Instagram. Sign up to be added to the Boston 2026 email list and receive updates when available.

Boston 2026’s Daily Show Postmarks Announced

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USPS Releases Boston 2026 Daily Postmarks

The designs of eight daily theme postmarks for use at Boston 2026 World Expo by the United States Postal Service have been unveiled.

All eight use a common template of a circle centered on top of a banner designed as a plaque nameplate bearing “BOSTON 2026 WORLD EXPO.” The icon within the circle relates to the theme, such as a soccer ball on Sports Day, for example. Below the banner is the theme day text followed by “- STATION” as required in USPS pictorial postmark guidelines, all in capital letters. Underneath is “May 2X, 2026 – Boston, MA 02205,” with X bearing each date’s last digit.

The standard shape and size of each, 2.72 inches wide by 1.22 inches tall, will make it easier for collectors and cachet makers alike to affix stamps in just the right place on their envelopes. Each will be available for hand-back service on their first day of use through the end of the show at USPS cancellation booths. Boston 2026 postmarks

Renowned stamp designer Chris Calle is preparing limited edition official show cachets based on these themes that will be available for sale at the show.

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 Facebook, X and Instagram. Sign up to be added to the Boston 2026 email list and receive updates when available.

Reservations Available for Boston 2026 Awards Dinner

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Boston 2026 Awards Dinner Tickets Available

All are welcome to attend the Boston 2026 Awards Dinner taking Place Friday, May 29 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center Ballroom.

A reception with three open bar stations begins at 6:30 PM featuring several entertainers offering a variety of American music up to the 7:45 seating. The bar will be open through dinner.

A choice of one of three main entrees is to be selected per ticket—cracker crusted haddock, BBQ steak tips and pan seared tofu. All come with vegetable side dishes. Wine will be served with dinner.

Presentations afterwards include those receiving Boston 2026 large gold medals, the three top FIP winners (Grand Prix National, Grand Prix International, Grand Prix d’Honneur and the 2026 APS Champion of Champions winner. The evening’s activities are expected to conclude around 10 PM.

Tickets available on a first-come basis are $195 per person. Select either an eTicket or a will-call option available for pickup at registration.

Order tickets online here. Payments may be made by PayPal or major credit cards.

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 Facebook, X and Instagram. Sign up to be added to the Boston 2026 email list and receive updates when available.

Boston 2026 App Now Available

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Boston 2026 App Now Available

Show officials are proud to announce that its much-anticipated app is up and running.

The Boston 2026 leadership team discussed the possible development of a readily accessible mobile app early in the show’s planning, ultimately leading to the selection of Cvent as the show’s all-on-one tech developer, handling web setup, show registration and the app.

After several weeks of consultation, data input and testing, the Android and Mac compatible app went live on Friday, April 3. Collectors who had already registered online as attending were the first to be notified of the app’s availability through an email. When prompted to download the app, their prior contact info and personalized selection of events were automatically transferred when set up.

It is preferred that visitors first register as attending using the show’s home page web link, which will offer the app automatically at the end of the process. However, anyone can download the app itself by visiting the Google Play or Apple App Store and search for “Cvent Events,” download it and then select or enter “Boston 2026” at the prompt. This link will also get you there.

The feature-rich app’s home page offers three main sections: Organizations (dealers, auction houses, postal administrations and major societies holding booths on Society Row), Agenda (the main events listing), and the Floor Plan. These continue to be updated as needed. Icons on the lower task bar link to them as well.

The task bar’s lower right circle, which may show the user’s photo if customized, accesses one’s profile and personally selected daily schedule of events, all easily added to or changed. Profile settings give users to option make their details accessible to other attendees to foster collaboration with those of similar interests.

Exploring the app first-hand is the best way to see the usefulness and power that this interactive free pocket catalog possesses.

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 Facebook, X and Instagram. Sign up to be added to the Boston 2026 email list and receive updates when available.

Boston 2026 “Field Trip” To Stamp Museum

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Shuttles to the Spellman Museum

Planning to be in Boston for a few days? If so, an enjoyable side trip can transport you from the Convention Center to the Spellman Museum of Stamps and Postal History. Buses run every ninety minutes, starting at 10 a.m. on both Monday, May 25 and Thursday, May 28. The $35 ticket includes museum admission. Reserve seats and departure times at the Spellman Museum’s online store.

Click here to reserve the May 25 Shuttle

Click here to reserve the May 28 Shuttle