Elie Wiesel (U.S. 2025)

Announced by the USPS on June 26th:

The 18th stamp in the Distinguished Americans series honors humanitarian Elie Wiesel (1928-2016), a survivor of Nazi concentration camps whose dozens of works bore witness to the Holocaust and whose resilience and compassion continue to be a source of inspiration. This stamp for 2-ounce mail features a 1999 black-and-white photograph of Wiesel by Sergey Bermeniev. Ethel Kessler, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp.

This stamp will be issued September 17th in New York City.


Updated November 5th:
The Scott catalogue number for this issue is 6037.

Updated September 5th:
From the Postal Bulletin: “In the article “Stamp Announcement 25-31: Elie Wiesel,” in Postal Bulletin 22682 (8-7-25, pages 35−36), the technical details table stated the Press Sheet Size however, Press Sheets are not available for this stamp.” We have indicated the correction below.

Updated August 26th:
[ceremony information] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Humanitarian Elie Wiesel Is Honored with A Stamp

What: The U.S. Postal Service honors Elie Wiesel (1928-2016) with the 18th stamp of its Distinguished Americans series. Wiesel was a survivor of Nazi concentration camps whose life and writing on the Holocaust are a testament to moral courage and the resilience of the human spirit.

The first-day-of-issue event for the 2-ounce mail stamp is free and open to the public. News of the stamp is being shared with the hashtag #ElieWieselStamp.

Who: The Hon. Ronald A. Stroman, member of the USPS Board of Governors and dedicating official

When: Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. ET

Where: 92nd Street Y, New York, Kaufmann Concert Hall
1395 Lexington Ave.
New York, NY 10128

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

Background: Wiesel was a voice for victims and survivors of the Holocaust and fought for human rights at every opportunity. In 1960 he wrote “Night,” a powerful personal account of his experience in Nazi death camps.

Throughout his career, Wiesel published dozens of works that focused on the Holocaust and the Jewish experience. His resilience and compassion, and his remarkable body of work, ensure that future generations will never forget one of the darkest chapters in human history.

Wiesel was born in Romania and became a U.S. citizen in 1963. He was appointed chairman of the President’s Commission on the Holocaust in 1978, which led to the opening of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in 1993.

He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1986 as a “messenger for mankind,” and with his wife, Marion (1931-2025), established the Elie Wiesel Foundation with the prize money.

Customers can preorder Elie Wiesel stamps on usps.com and they will be shipped on Sept. 17.

Updated August 9th:
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue:The Digital Color Postmark measures 1.91″ x 1.13″The Pictorial Postmark measures 2.57″ x 1.37″ The Special postmark measures 2.86″ x 0.92″

From the Postal Bulletin:

On September 17, 2025, in New York, NY, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Elie Wiesel stamps (priced at the Non-denominated, Two-Ounce Mail® rate), in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 124400). This stamp will go on sale nationwide September 17, 2025, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

The 18th stamp in the Distinguished Americans series honors humanitarian Elie Wiesel (1928–2016), a survivor of Nazi concentration camps whose dozens of writings ensure future generations will bear witness to the Holocaust while his resilience and compassion continue to be a source of inspiration. This 2-ounce stamp features a 1999 black-and-white photograph by Sergey Bermeniev of Wiesel in a suit and tie, with a pensive expression on his face. Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamp.

No 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 – Elie Wiesel Stamp
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 January 17, 2026.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Elie Wiesel Stamp
Item Number: 124400
Denomination & Type of Issue: Two Ounce Rate, Non-denominated, Mail Use
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: Distinguished Americans
Issue Date & City: September 17, 2025, New York, NY 10199
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Designer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Existing Photo: Sergey Bermeniev
Modeler: Sandra Lane / Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Gallus RCS
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 8,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.7700 x 1.0500 in. / 19.5580 x 26.6700 mm.
Overall Size (w x h): 0.9100 x 1.1900 in. / 23.1140 x 30.2260 mm.
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.5500 x 5.7600 in. / 140.9700 x 146.3040 mm.
Press Sheets Size (w x h): 11.1000 x 17.5300 in. / 281.9400 x 445.2620 mm.
Plate Size: 120 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: ”B” followed by four (4) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: DISTINGUISHED AMERICANS Number 18 in a series
• Plate number in bottom two corners
Back: ©2025 USPS • USPS logo • Two barcodes (124400) • Plate position diagram (6) • Promotional text

U.S. Adds Wiesel and Other Details (U.S. 2025)

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
U.S. Postal Service Announces Holiday, Elie Wiesel Stamps
Dates and locations for releases through September are also revealed

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service today announced its latest set of stamps celebrating the holiday season as well as a new issue honoring humanitarian Elie Wiesel. These designs are preliminary and subject to change.

Holiday Cheer
Four new designs in this booklet of 20 stamps usher in the holiday season: a trio of amaryllis flowers, a holly wreath, an evergreen branch decorated with fruit, and cardinals perched on mistletoe. The images were created using a collage technique with gouache and acrylic paint on background paper from a vintage gardening book. The shapes for each image were then cut out and pasted onto an archival cotton board. Derry Noyes, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps with original artwork by Denise Fiedler.

 

Elie Wiesel
The 18th stamp in the Distinguished Americans series honors humanitarian Elie Wiesel (1928-2016), a survivor of Nazi concentration camps whose dozens of works bore witness to the Holocaust and whose resilience and compassion continue to be a source of inspiration. This stamp for 2-ounce mail features a 1999 black-and-white photograph of Wiesel by Sergey Bermeniev. Ethel Kessler, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp.

Dates and locations:
The Postal Service today also announced stamp release dates and locations for all announced stamps through the end of the year:

Putting a Stamp on the American Experience, July 23, Washington, DC 20066
250 Years of Delivering, July 23, Washington, DC 20066
“SpongeBob SquarePants”, Aug. 1, New York, NY 10199
Boston 2026 World Stamp Show, Aug. 14, Schaumburg, IL 60194
Luna Moth (nonmachinable surcharge), Aug. 16, Schaumburg, IL 60194
William F. Buckley Jr., Sept. 9, New Haven, CT 06511
Holiday Cheer, Sept. 13, Washington, DC 20066
Elie Wiesel, Sept. 17, New York, NY 10199
Winter Landscapes, Sept. 19, Danville, IN 46122

Details on first-day-of-issue cities/ceremony locations for other 2025 stamps will be released throughout the year. Dates and locations are subject to change.

Ask USPS at Great American Stamp Show 2025

Have a question for the U.S. Postal Service’s Stamp Services division? The American First Day Cover Society is again sponsoring two seminars with Stamp Services at Great American Stamp Show 2025, August 14-17. One, on Thursday at 1 pm, is an overview of Stamp Services: What goes into deciding which stamps the USPS will issue and how. The other, on Friday at 2 pm, is with Stamp Fulfillment Services — sales, production, and cancellations, among other functions.

To make sure they have the answers ready, the USPS has asked me to ask you in advance: What do you want to know? What isn’t working for you? And (of course) what do you like about what Stamp Services does.

Similar to last year’s seminars, I will moderate and ask most of the questions during the seminars, hopefully with your input. So: Post your questions and comments here.

— Lloyd de Vries

International Flavor to May-June First Days magazine

The May-June issue of First Days, the official journal of the American First Day Cover Society, is now online here.

In this issue, we celebrate the 103rd anniversary of a milestone in first day cover collecting and the 185th anniversary of first day covers overall; “Canada’s Chemical Industry Issue FDCs” are chronicled by Howard Dewald; Cynthia Scott tells how to personalize philately through event covers; and Tris Fall makes a modest proposal about postcard exchanging. Alan Warren reviews a new book on private-sector Canadian FDCs of the 21st century and notes articles about FDCs in publications other than First Days.

The author of the long-running “Question Box” column also turns the tables and asks a question of readers. Continuing the international theme of this issue, ArtCraft columnist Michael Lake talks about FDCs for the 1958 Brussels exhibition and Michael Dodd about the recent UK Garden Wildlife issue and related issues. Editor Bard also reports on one of the rare philatelic exhibitions in the UK.

The May-June issue also includes a special section with details about the AFDCS at this summer’s Great American Stamp Show 2025 in Schaumburg, Illinois.

Please note: A new version of this issue has been uploaded that includes the Americover/GASS section

Scott Catalogue U.S. Update (June 2025)

5977 Battlefields of the American Revolution pane of 15
a. (73¢) Replica of Old North Bridge, Battle of Lexington and Concord
b. (73¢) American militia members on Old North Bridge, Battle of Lexington and Concord
c. (73¢) British troops withdrawing from Old North Bridge, Battle of Lexington and Concord
d. (73¢) British troops advancing on Breed’s Hill, Battle of Bunker Hill
e. (73¢) William Prescott ordering American troops to fire, Battle of Bunker Hill
f. (73¢) Bunker Hill Monument, Battle of Bunker Hill
g. (73¢) Old Barracks Museum, Battle of Trenton
h. (73¢) Gen. George Washington crossing the Delaware, Battle of Trenton
i. (73¢) Boatmen guiding boats across the Delaware, Battle of Trenton
j. (73¢) Lt. Gen. John Burgoyne holding sword at surrender ceremony, Battle of Saratoga
k. (73¢) Gen. Horatio Gates reaching for Burgoyne’s sword, Battle of Saratoga
l. (73¢) Replica of British howitzer, Battle of Saratoga
m. (73¢) Reconstructions of British redoubts, Battle of Yorktown
n. (73¢) Comte de Rochambeau pointing British Gen. Charles O’Hara towards Gen. Washington at surrender, Battle of Yorktown
o. (73¢) Washington and others at surrender, Battle of Yorktown
p. As #5977, imperforate
q. As #5977a, imperforate
r. As #5977b, imperforate
s. As #5977c, imperforate
t. As #5977d, imperforate
u. As #5977e, imperforate
v. As #5977f, imperforate
w. As #5977g, imperforate
x. As #5977h, imperforate
y. As #5977i, imperforate
z. As #5977j, imperforate
aa. As #5977k, imperforate
ab. As #5977l, imperforate
ac. As #5977m, imperforate
ad. As #5977n, imperforate
ae. As #5977o, imperforate

Powwows
5978 (73¢) Powwows – Crow Hop Dance
a. Imperforate
5979 (73¢) Powwows – Women’s Traditional Dance
a. Imperforate
5980 (73¢) Powwows – Women’s Fancy Shawl Dance
a. Imperforate
5981 (73¢) Powwows – Men’s Hoop Dance
a. Imperforate
b. Horiz. or vert. strip of 4, #5978-5981
c. Imperforate horiz. or vert. strip of 4, #5978a-5981a

Dahlias:
5982 (73¢) Pale Yellow Dahlia coil stamp, serpentine die cut 10 vert.
5983 (73¢) Lilac Dahlia coil stamp, serpentine die cut 10 vert.
5984 (73¢) Red and Yellow Dahlia coil stamp, serpentine die cut 10 vert.
5985 (73¢) Yellow and Pink Dahlia coil stamp, serpentine die cut 10 vert.
5986 (73¢) Dark Red Dahlia coil stamp, serpentine die cut 10 vert.
5987 (73¢) Lilac Dahlia coil stamp, diff., serpentine die cut 10 vert.
5988 (73¢) White Dahlia coil stamp, serpentine die cut 10 vert.
5989 (73¢) White and Lilac Dahlia coil stamp, serpentine die cut 10 vert.
5990 (73¢) Pink and White Dahlia coil stamp, serpentine die cut 10 vert.
5991 (73¢) Lilac and White Dahlia coil stamp, serpentine die cut 10 vert.
a. Horiz. strip of 10, #5982-5991

5992 (73¢) Pale Yellow Dahlia booklet stamp, serpentine die cut 11×10¾ on 2 or 3 sides
5993 (73¢) Lilac Dahlia booklet stamp, serpentine die cut 11×10¾ on 2 or 3 sides
5994 (73¢) Red and Yellow Dahlia booklet stamp, serpentine die cut 11×10¾ on 2 or 3 sides
5995 (73¢) Yellow and Pink Dahlia booklet stamp, serpentine die cut 11×10¾ on 2 or 3 sides
5996 (73¢) White and Lilac Dahlia booklet stamp, serpentine die cut 11×10¾ on 2 or 3 sides
5997 (73¢) Lilac Dahlia booklet stamp, diff., serpentine die cut 11×10¾ on 2 or 3 sides
5998 (73¢) White Dahlia booklet stamp, serpentine die cut 11×10¾ on 2 or 3 sides
5999 (73¢) Dark Red Dahlia booklet stamp, serpentine die cut 11×10¾ on 2 or 3 sides
6000 (73¢) Pink and White Dahlia booklet stamp, serpentine die cut 11×10¾ on 2 or 3 sides
6001 (73¢) Lilac and White Dahlia booklet stamp, serpentine die cut 11×10¾ on 2 or 3 sides
a. Block of 10, #5992-6001
b. Convertible booklet pane of 20, 2 each #5992-6001

6002 Goodnight Moon pane of 16, 2 each #6002a-6002h + label
a. (73¢) Young Rabbit in Bed
b. (73¢) Painting of the Three Bears
c. (73¢) Fireplace
d. (73¢) Painting of Cow Jumping Over the Moon
e. (73¢) Table, Lamp, Bowl, Comb and Brush
f. (73¢) Dollhouse, Bookshelf and Toys
g. (73¢) Rabbit in Rocking Chair
h. (73¢) Socks and Mittens on Drying Rack, Moon in Window
i. As #6002, imperforate
j. As #6002a, imperforate
k. As #6002b, imperforate
l. As #6002c, imperforate
m. As #6002d, imperforate
n. As #6002e, imperforate
o. As #6002f, imperforate
p. As #6002g, imperforate
q. As #6002h, imperforate

Chronicles of Narnia (UK 2025)

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Children’s Classic, The Chronicles Of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, Celebrated With a Set of Special Stamps

  • Issue date: 22 May
  • The main set of eight stamps features illustrations specially commissioned by Royal Mail and depict key scenes from all seven fantasy novels
  • A further four stamps presented in a miniature sheet, show artwork by Pauline Baynes, illustrator of the original seven volumes of the series
  • The stamps and a range of collectible products are available at www.royalmail.com/narnia and by telephone on 03457 641641

Royal Mail has revealed images of 12 stamps being issued to mark The Chronicles of Narnia, the series of seven fantasy novels written by British author C.S. Lewis. This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the publication of the first book in the series, the timeless classic, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

The Chronicles of Narnia is considered a classic of children’s literature and is Lewis’s best-selling work, having sold 120 million copies in 47 languages. The series has also been adapted for radio, television, the stage, film, and video games.

The main set of eight stamps features illustrations specially commissioned for Royal Mail by British illustrator, Keith Robinson. They depict key scenes from each of the novels. Robinson specialises in book covers and narrative illustration for children’s publishing. His art has appeared in picture books, young fiction, educational and non-fiction books. His paintings and drawings are often of fantasy, mythological, fairytale, horror and historical subjects.

A further four stamps presented in a miniature sheet, show artwork by Pauline Baynes, illustrator of the original seven volumes of the series.

The books are set in the fictional world of Narnia, a magical realm inhabited by talking animals, mythical creatures, and various fantastical beings. Books in the series, in order of publication, are: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (1950). Prince Caspian (1951), The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (1952), The Silver Chair (1953), The Horse and His Boy (1954), The Magician’s Nephew (1955) and The Last Battle (1956), Illustrated by Pauline Baynes (1922-2008). They remain among the most popular classics of children’s literature.

David Gold, Director of External Affairs and Policy, Royal Mail, said: “These delightful stamps capture the timeless magic of Narnia and honour the enduring legacy of the books. The Chronicles of Narnia remain a perennial favourite of children around the world, so it is fitting that we celebrate the stories with a new set of stamps featuring newly commissioned artwork alongside artwork that will bring back fond memories for many who grew up with these great books.”

A Presentation Pack including all 12 stamps is priced at £20.70. The stamps are on sale from 22 May.

Archaeological Discoveries (Netherlands 2025)

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
PostNL launches stamp sheet with Fibula van Dorestad

The Hague, 9 May 2025 – Today, PostNL is issuing the Fibula of Dorestad stamp sheet. The issue ties in with the European theme for 2025: National Archaeological Discoveries, part of the annual collaboration between the European postal companies under the flag of PostEurop. The stamp sheet features six identical stamps with an image of one of the most famous archaeological finds in the Netherlands.

Historical ornament from the time of Charlemagne
The fibula was discovered in 1969 in a well in the former Dorestad, now Wijk bij Duurstede. In the time of Charlemagne, Dorestad was an important trading city. The richly decorated gold brooch, inlaid with glass, ornamental stones, pearls and enamel, was probably worn by a high-ranking woman as subtle propaganda for Christianity. The fibula is included in the Canon of the Netherlands under the theme ‘Charlemagne’.

Golden design with an eye for detail
The design of the stamp sheet is by Studio Maud van Rossum from Amsterdam. Van Rossum previously made various stamps with a historical angle for PostNL. For this design, she was inspired by the circular shape of the fibula and the geometric inlay. The stamps show a large image of the fibula on a white background, with a smaller version next to it in a stylized graphic context. The texts on the stamps and tabs are set in a round shape, as a tribute to the piece of jewelry itself. The fibula is depicted in actual size on the edge of the sheet, framed by an explanatory text in gold.

Availability and value
The stamps with the value indication ‘international 1’ are intended for mail up to and including 20 grams with an international destination. The price for a sheet of six stamps is € 11.40.

The Fibula stamp sheet from Dorestad is – while stocks last – available from 9 May at Bruna stores, via www.postnl.nl/bijzondere-postzegels and can be ordered by telephone via Collect Club: 088 868 99 00.

Note: PostNL does not sell directly to collectors in North America. Its website refers to a company called Nordfirm, which says it sells Dutch new issues at face value. The Virtual Stamp Club has no connection to this company.

Collectors may also wish to contact the U.S. firm Bombay Stamps, which can also obtain first day covers upon request, with lower shipping fees. The email is sales@bombaystamps.com Again, The Virtual Stamp Club has no connection to this company.

[in het Nederlands voor de nieuwsmedia]
PostNL lanceert postzegelvel met Fibula van Dorestad

Den Haag, 9 mei 2025 – PostNL brengt vandaag het postzegelvel Fibula van Dorestad uit. De uitgifte sluit aan bij het Europese thema voor 2025: National Archaeological Discoveries, onderdeel van de jaarlijkse samenwerking tussen de Europese postbedrijven onder de vlag van PostEurop. Op het postzegelvel staan zes gelijke postzegels met een afbeelding van een van de beroemdste archeologische vondsten van Nederland: de fibula van Dorestad.

Historisch sieraad uit de tijd van Karel de Grote
De fibula werd in 1969 ontdekt in een waterput in het voormalige Dorestad, het huidige Wijk bij Duurstede. In de tijd van Karel de Grote was Dorestad een belangrijke handelsstad. De rijkversierde gouden broche, ingelegd met glas, sierstenen, parels en email, is vermoedelijk gedragen door een hooggeplaatste vrouw als subtiele propaganda voor het christendom. De fibula staat in de Canon van Nederland bij het thema ‘Karel de Grote’.

Gouden ontwerp met oog voor detail
Het ontwerp van het postzegelvel is van de hand van Studio Maud van Rossum uit Amsterdam. Van Rossum maakte eerder diverse postzegels met een historische invalshoek voor PostNL. Voor dit ontwerp liet zij zich inspireren door de cirkelvorm van de fibula en het geometrische inlegwerk. De postzegels tonen een grote afbeelding van de fibula op witte achtergrond, met daarnaast een kleinere variant in een gestileerde grafische context. De teksten op de postzegels en tabs zijn in een ronde vorm gezet, als een eerbetoon aan het sieraad zelf. Op de velrand is de fibula op ware grootte afgebeeld, omlijst door een toelichtende tekst in goud.

Verkrijgbaarheid en waarde
De postzegels met waardeaanduiding ‘internationaal 1’ zijn bedoeld voor post tot en met 20 gram met een internationale bestemming. De prijs voor een vel van zes postzegels bedraagt € 11,40.

Het postzegelvel Fibula van Dorestad is – zolang de voorraad strekt – vanaf 9 mei verkrijgbaar bij de Bruna-winkels, via www.postnl.nl/bijzondere-postzegels en telefonisch te bestellen via Collect Club: 088 868 99 00.

USPS Proposes Hikes for Shipping Services

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
U.S. Postal Service Recommends New Shipping Services Prices for 2025

  • Postal Service continues to offer great value on affordable shipping with reliable service.
  • No price changes are being made to Priority Mail Express, Domestic Extra Services, International Ancillary Services, or International Products.
  • Pricing actions are part of a balanced approach under Delivering for America, the Postal Service’s 10-year strategic plan for achieving financial sustainability and service excellence.
  • Rate changes will support the $40 billion in investments in people, technology and infrastructure and continue the modernization and improvement of the Postal Service’s operations and customer experience.

WASHINGTON — The Postal Service has filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) for shipping services price changes to take effect July 13. The proposed adjustments were approved by the USPS Board of Governors this week.

The changes would raise domestic shipping services prices approximately 6.3 percent for Priority Mail service, 7.1 percent for USPS Ground Advantage and 7.6 percent for Parcel Select. Prices are not changing for Priority Mail Express service.

Although mailing services price increases are based on the consumer price index, shipping services prices are primarily adjusted according to market conditions. The USPS governors believe these new rates will keep the Postal Service competitive while providing the agency with needed revenue.

As part of the 10-year comprehensive strategic Delivering for America plan, these proposed changes will support the Postal Service in creating a revitalized organization capable of achieving its public service mission — providing a nationwide, integrated network for the delivery of mail and packages at least six days a week — in a cost-effective and financially sustainable manner over the long term, just as the U.S. Congress has intended.

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 PRC website under the Daily Listings section [check for 5/09/2025]. The Competitive Products filing is Docket No. CP2025-7. The price tables are also available on the Postal Service’s Postal Explorer website.

Boston 2026 Now Top-Level International Show

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Boston 2026 Now a General World Exhibition

The Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP) has upgraded its Boston 2026 World Expo participation status from “Recognition” to its highest level, “Patronage,” now classifying the event as a General World Exhibition. The agreement was finalized between FIP, Boston 2026 and American Philatelic Society officials during EuroPhilEx this past weekend in Birmingham, UK. [In the photo, L-R,026 World Expo President Yamil Kouri, FIP President Prakob Chirikati, APS President Cheryl Ganz, and FIP Consultant Reinaldo Macedo]

The FIP is philately’s version of the United Nations, representing nearly 100 national philatelic organizations from around the world. It standardizes guidelines for international-level competitions of all sizes and provides varying operational structures to assist show organizers.

The FIP offers several levels of involvement with increasing organizational requirements and monetary fees at each step. Preliminary exhibition approval by the FIP came in 2022, resulting in an agreement granting recognition status to Boston 2026. Negotiations since that time have continued between the FIP and Boston 2026 officers to elevate the U.S. international to its highest level under patronage status. That contract has now been endorsed by both organizations.

“Achieving patronage status guarantees all participants full rights, privileges and opportunities through the FIP system of international exhibitions,” said Yamil Kouri, Boston 2026 President [photo left]. “Judges will be 100% FIP accredited, and all awards will be recognized and recorded by the FIP in its official Awards List. This also means qualified prior FIP large gold winners may take part in our World Stamp Championship Class competition. It brings together the world’s greatest exhibits under one roof to determine Grand Prix National, Grand Prix International and Grand Prix d’Honneur winners.”

Prospective exhibitors are reminded that philatelic exhibit applications are only accepted electronically through the Boston 2026 web site and must be received by September 30. National commissioners will inform accepted exhibitors in November. The deadline for literature applications is January 31, 2026.

Reinaldo Macedo of Brazil, who had earlier been appointed as the FIP Liaison Officer, is now the FIP Consultant. Most current and past FIP officers and officials are expected to be in attendance.

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.

Steiner Appointed U.S. Postmaster General

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Postal Service Board of Governors appoints David Steiner to be 76th Postmaster General and CEO of the United States Postal Service

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors today announced that they have chosen David Steiner to be America’s 76th Postmaster General and CEO. Pending the outcome of necessary background and ethics checks, Steiner will succeed former Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, who resigned in March, and current Acting Postmaster General Doug Tulino, who will return to his permanent position as Deputy Postmaster General and Chief Human Resources Officer. We anticipate Steiner will formally join the organization in July, assuming his successful completion of the ethics and security clearance vetting processes.

“Dave is the right person to lead the Postal Service at this time to ensure this magnificent and historic organization thrives into the future,” said Amber McReynolds, chair of the Postal Service Board of Governors. “Dave is a highly regarded leader and executive with tremendous vision, experience and skill that can be applied to the long-term mission and business needs of the Postal Service. Our Board looks forward to working with Dave as he takes on the core mandates of providing universal and excellent service for the American public and doing so in a financially sustainable manner.”

“It is an incredible honor to be asked to lead the world’s greatest postal organization, with a history that stretches back before the founding of the United States,” said Steiner. “I deeply admire the public service and business mission of this amazing institution, and I believe strongly in maintaining its role as an independent establishment of the executive branch. I look forward to engaging with its employees, who provide such an important service to all our communities. As the entity with the largest union membership in the United States, I look forward to engaging with the unions and management associations to ensure that together we create a world-class employment experience. I also look forward to working with industry associations, customers, and policymakers, as we chart a positive path forward. I am excited by the challenges ahead and by the many opportunities to shape a vibrant, durable and increasingly competitive future for the Postal Service. And, finally, but most importantly, I want to thank Doug for his excellent stewardship of the organization that he has dedicated his professional life to serve.”

As the President and Chief Executive Officer of Waste Management (NYSE: WM) for 12 years, Steiner is credited with leading tremendous change in the organization, transforming operations and culture, and delivering strong financial results. In this role, he established a new strategic vision for Waste Management that created new business lines in environmental services, a new pricing model widely adopted in the industry, and a more efficient operating approach. During his tenure, Waste Management solidified its role as the leading provider of waste management and recycling services in North America.

He also held prior roles within Waste Management, including Chief Financial Officer; Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary; and Vice President and Deputy General Counsel. Before joining Waste Management, Steiner was a Partner at the law firm Phelps Dunbar.

In addition to serving on several non-profit and educational boards, including the E.J. Ourso College of Business at Louisiana State University, Steiner serves on the boards of transportation and logistics provider FedEx Corporation, construction material manufacturer Vulcan Materials, and recycling automation provider AMP. He will leave the Board at FedEx, and manage the other roles and business and financial interests as required prior to joining the Postal Service.

Steiner earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Louisiana State University, and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Los Angeles.

As established by federal law, the selection of the Postmaster General rests solely with the Presidentially appointed and Senate confirmed Governors of the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors, who oversee the Postal Service as an independent establishment of the executive branch. The Board retained global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder to conduct the executive search for this position.