The American Philatelic Society has named this year’s inductees into its Hall of Fame, the most prestigious award that the APS can bestow upon philatelists who have passed away. This year, all three are women:

• Elizabeth Pope
• Elizabeth “Betty” Nettles
• Esper Hayes

Only photos of Pope and Hayes were provided by the APS. The APS Hall of Fame was established in 1940. Nominees must have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of national or international philately.Pope and Nettles, perhaps not coincidentally, were both active in the Webster Grove Stamp Club in the St. Louis area. Hayes founded the Ebony Society of Philatelic Events and Reflections, whose acronym, again perhaps not coincidentally, is ESPER.

The APS announcement including their accomplishments can be found here.