Monthly Archives: April 2026

USPS Adds Boston 2026 Stamp Design Souvenirs

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The U.S. Postal Service has added three “philatelic products” with the Boston 2026 stamp designs, although they are not yet listed on the store.USPS.com or StampsForever websites, only in the Spring edition of the USA Philatelic catalogue. They are a lanyard, a totebag and a “keepsake,” or album.

The latter (above) appears to be a spiral-bound album that “includes a custom sleeve for each stamp pane issued during the expo.” In small type at the bottom of the illustration is “Stamps not included.” At a minimum, those stamps would cost $86.23 plus whatever the full pane of the “Encore” issue costs. There is a dedication ceremony for the already-released Figures of the American Revolution pane of 25 stamps, and it is not clear if there would be a page for that. It does not appear that that vertical pane would fit in the album. The price is $39.95.

The lanyard illustration (right) appears to show it with last year’s Boston 2026 stamp pins affixed, but they probably are not included. The catalogue text says “affix your favorite stamp pins,” implying that you have to supply them yourself. It is $8.95.

The canvas tote bag (below), at $18.95, says it is printed on each side with one of the Boston 2026 stamp designs.

The USA Philatelic catalogue says “Order World Stamp Show Products by May 1st to have them for the expo,” but as of April 12, they are not listed on the website. The catalogue adds “or purchase them directly at the show.”

USPS Seeks Rate Hike in July 2026

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[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
U.S. Postal Service Recommends New Prices for July

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Postal Service today filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) of mailing services price changes to take effect on July 12. The new rates include a 4-cent increase in the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp from 78 cents to 82 cents.

The proposed adjustments, approved by the governors of the Postal Service, would raise mailing services product prices approximately 4.8 percent. If favorably reviewed by the Commission, the price changes would include:

Product
Letters (1 oz.)
Letters (metered 1 oz.)
Additional Ounces
Domestic Postcards
International Postcards
International Letter (1 oz.)		 Current Prices
78¢
74¢
29¢
61¢
$1.70
$1.70		 Proposed Prices
82¢
78¢
29¢
65¢
$1.75
$1.75

The Postal Service is also seeking price adjustments for other First-Class Mail products, Periodicals, USPS Marketing Mail, Package Services and selected Special Services products.

In the midst of the severe financial crisis facing the Postal Service and continued rising operational costs, the Postal Service is using all available tools, including available regulatory pricing authority, to ensure we can continue to fulfill our universal service obligation and serve the American public. The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations. Notwithstanding the adjustment, the Postal Service’s mailing prices remain among the most affordable in the world.

The PRC will review the changes before they are scheduled to take effect. The complete Postal Service price filing, with prices for all products, can be found on the commission’s website under the Daily Listings section. The Mailing Services filing is Docket No. R2026-1. The price tables are also available on the Postal Service’s Postal Explorer website at pe.usps.com/PriceChange/Index.

Boston 2026 App Now Available

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[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
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.