From the U.S. Postal Service announcement on October 22, 2019:

These stamps celebrate one of the great artistic and literary movements in American history, the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s, which firmly established African Americans as a vital force in literature and the arts. Twenty stamps showcase four stylized pastel portraits of these literary figures: writer, philosopher, educator and arts advocate Alain Locke; novelist Nella Larsen; bibliophile and historian Arturo Alfonso Schomburg; and poet Anne Spencer. African-inspired motifs are used as background elements of each portrait. The pane header shows a cityscape in silhouette with a sun in its midst and the title “Voices of the Harlem Renaissance.” The artist for these stamps was Gary Kelley. Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamps.

These stamps will be issued Thursday, May 21 in New York City.

Additional information will be posted below the line, with the most recent at the top.

Updated April 15th:
[press release]
USPS Cancels Dedication Ceremony for Voices of the Harlem Renaissance Stamps
These stamps will still be available for purchase on May 21.

The U.S. Postal Service is canceling the dedication ceremony for the Voices of the Harlem Renaissance Forever stamps, previously announced for May 21, due to social distancing guidance during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Voices of the Harlem Renaissance Forever stamps will still be available for purchase on May 21. A follow-up announcement for the stamps will be made prior to the release date.

Customers may purchase these stamps through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724), by mail through USA Philatelic and at Post Office locations nationwide.

Requests for first-day-of-issue postmarks and first-day covers will be processed by:

USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64144-9900

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations

Updated April 15th:
Here are the first-day cancels for this issue: The Digital Color Postmark for this issue measures 2.53″ x 1.40″.The pictorial postmark measures 2.48″ x 1.11″ The “special” postmark, for cities other than the first-day city, measures 2.75″ x 1.38″

Updated April 10th from the Postal Bulletin:

On May 21, 2020, in New York, NY, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Voices of the Harlem Renaissance stamps (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in four designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive pane of 20 stamps (Item 476400). The stamps will go on sale nationwide May 21, 2020, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue. The Voices of the Harlem Renaissance pane of 20 stamps may not be split and the stamps may not be sold individually.

This issuance celebrates one of the great artistic and literary movements in American history, the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s, which firmly established African Americans as a vital force in literature and the arts. Twenty stamps showcase four stylized pastel portraits of these literary figures:

• Alain Locke, writer, philosopher, educator, and arts advocate;
• Nella Larsen, novelist;
• Arturo Alfonso Schomburg, bibliophile and historian; and
• Anne Spencer, poet.

African-inspired motifs are used as background elements of each portrait. The pane header shows a cityscape in silhouette with a sun in its midst and the issuance title “Voices of the Harlem Renaissance.” The artist for these stamps was Gary Kelley. Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamps.

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 – Voices of the Harlem Renaissance 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 21, 2020.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Voices of the Harlem Renaissance Stamps
Item Number: 476400
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (4 designs)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: May 21, 2020, New York, NY 10199
Art Director: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Designer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Typographer: Greg Breeding, Charlottesville, VA
Artist: Gary Kelley, Cedar Falls, IA
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 16,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.84 x 1.42 in./ 21.336 x 36.068 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.98 x 1.56 in./24.892 x 39.624 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 6 x 9 in./152.4 x 228.6 mm
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Plate Size: 160 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “B” followed by four (4) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: Voices of the Harlem Renaissance • Plate number in bottom two corners
Back: ©2019 USPS • USPS logo • 2 barcodes (476400) • Plate position diagram (8)
• Promotional text

From the U.S. Postal Service announcement on October 22, 2019:

With these stamps the Postal Service celebrates the beauty of American gardens. This pane of 20 stamps features 10 different photographs of botanic, country estate and municipal gardens taken between 1996 and 2014. The gardens include: Biltmore Estate Gardens (North Carolina); Brooklyn Botanic Garden (New York); Chicago Botanic Garden (Illinois); Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (Maine); Dumbarton Oaks Garden (District of Columbia); The Huntington Botanical Gardens (California); Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park (Florida); Norfolk Botanical Garden (Virginia); Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens (Ohio); and Winterthur Garden (Delaware). Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamps with existing photographs by Allen Rokach.

Additional information will be posted below the line, with the most recent at the top.

These stamps will be issued Wednesday, May 13th, in Winterthur, Delaware, presumably because of at Winterthur Garden.

Updated May 11th:
There will be a virtual ceremony for these stamps, open to the public, on the day after, Thursday, the 14th. Member Lefty Dundee got the information. See his message below for details (or click on “his message” in this sentence).

Updated March 23rd:
The first-day ceremony for this stamp has been canceled. The stamps will still be issued on May 13th. More details will be announced closer to the issue date.

Updated April 10th from the Postal Bulletin:
On May 13, 2020, in Winterthur, DE, the United States Postal Service® will issue the American Gardens stamps (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in 10 designs, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive pane of 20 stamps (Item 572700). The stamps will go on sale nationwide May 13, 2020, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue. The American Gardens pane of 20 stamps may not be split and the stamps may not be sold individually.

With this issuance, the United States Postal Service celebrates the beauty of American Gardens. This pane of 20 stamps features 10 different photographs of botanic, country estate, and municipal gardens taken between 1996 and 2014. The gardens include:

• Biltmore Estate Gardens (North Carolina);
• Brooklyn Botanic Garden (New York);
• Chicago Botanic Garden (Illinois);
• Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (Maine);
• Dumbarton Oaks Garden (District of Columbia);
• The Huntington Botanical Gardens (California);
• Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park (Florida);
• Norfolk Botanical Garden (Virginia);
• Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens (Ohio); and
• Winterthur Garden (Delaware).

Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamps with existing photos taken by Allen Rokach.

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 – American Gardens 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 13, 2020.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: American Gardens Stamps
Item Number: 572700
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (10 designs)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: May 13, 2020, Winterthur, DE 19803
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Designer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Typographer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Existing Photos: Allen Rokach
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 50,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Block
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America
Colors: Pantone 554, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 1.42 x 1.085 in./ 36.068 x 27.559 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.56 x 1.225 in./39.624 x 31.115 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 7.5 x 7.9 in./190.5 x 200.66 mm
Plate Size: 180 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “B” followed by five (5) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: American Gardens • Plate number in bottom two corners
Back: ©2019 USPS • USPS logo • 2 barcodes (572700) • Plate position diagram (9) • Promotional text

From the U.S. Postal Service announcement on October 22, 2019:

Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, the Postal Service issues a stamp featuring a playful painting of the planet, with small green lines surrounding Earth and hand-lettered text. Art director Antonio Alcalá was the stamp artist and designer. Ricky Altizer was the typographer.

The Scott Catalogue number for this issue is 5459.

Additional information will be posted below the line, with the most recent at the top.

This stamp will be issued Saturday, April 18th, with a Denver first-day postmark. Note that there is no automatic distribution of this stamp to post offices.

Updated April 17th:

[press release]
Celebrate Earth Day with A New Forever Stamp

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Postal Service honors the 50th anniversary of Earth Day by putting its own stamp on raising awareness of our environment and the communities in which we live and serve. The new Earth Day Forever stamp marks five decades of Americans coming together to celebrate the importance of protecting the environment. The stamp will be available for sale nationwide on April 18.

The Postal Service has canceled the first-day-of-issue ceremony for the Earth Day stamp due to social distancing guidance. News of the stamp can be shared using the hashtag #EarthDayStamps.

On the first Earth Day in 1970, millions of people across America joined to rally against pollution. The event quickly developed into an annual tradition. As time passed, educating children about the environment became a priority, with the annual celebration also providing an opportunity for businesses to showcase new goods and services that are mindful of the environment.

Today, Earth Day remains a high-profile day for people around the world to recognize the importance of the planet and the impact of their environmental footprint. The Earth Day Forever stamp is a reminder for both senders and recipients that we share the atmosphere on our planet.

The Earth Day Forever stamp is being issued in booklets of 20 stamps. Art director Antonio Alcalá created the painting of Earth, using gouache on watercolor paper. The design features small green lines surrounding the blue planet. The title of the stamp runs across the top, and the words “Forever” and “USA” appear along the bottom. Ricky Altizer was the typographer. This Forever stamp will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.

Background
In the 1950s and 1960s, as the dangers of pollution were becoming a common concern, a

Crowds gather by a George Washington statue in Union Square for Earth Day celebrations, New York City, April 22, 1970. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

groundswell of support began for a day to celebrate the planet. It gained further traction in 1969 after what was then the largest oil spill in U.S. history occurred off the coast of Santa Barbara, CA.

Soon after the spill, Sen. Gaylord Nelson (D-WI), a conservationist who championed legislation to protect natural resources, resolved to unite the nation around environmental causes. Senator Nelson inspired thousands of people to organize environmental teach-ins at universities, schools and community centers around the country. April 22, between college spring break and finals, was chosen as the date for a national observance.

USPS has long been a sustainability leader through a variety of policies and programs, including recycling and renewable energy initiatives. The more than 630,000 employees of the Postal Service are “Putting Our Stamp on a Greener Tomorrow,” with more information available at usps.com/green.

Postal Products
Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps.

Updated March 23rd:
The first-day ceremony for this stamp has been canceled. The stamp will still be issued on April 18th. More details will be announced closer to the issue date.

Updated March 13th:
What do you think of the design?

Updated March 12th:
Here are the first-day cancels for this issue: The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.92″ x 1.36″ The pictorial postmark measures 2.42″ x 1.19″

Updated March 12th from the Postal Bulletin:
On April 18, 2020, in Denver, CO, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Earth Day stamp (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) booklet of 20 stamps (Item 682600). The stamp will go on sale nationwide April 18, 2020, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, the stamp features a playful painting of the planet, with small green lines surrounding Earth and hand-lettered text. Art director Antonio Alcalá was the stamp artist and designer. Ricky Altizer was the typographer.

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 – Earth Day 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 August 18, 2020.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Earth Day Stamp
Item Number: 682600
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Double-sided Booklet of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: April 18, 2020, Denver, CO 80202
Art Director: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Designer: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Typographer: Ricky Altizer, Alexandria, VA
Artist: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Booklet: 20
Print Quantity: 175,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Block
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.77 x 1.05 in./19.558 x 26.67 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 0.91 x 1.19 in./23.114 x 30.226 mm
Full Booklet Size (w x h): 5.743 x 2.375 in./145.872 x 60.325 mm
Plate Size: 800 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “B” followed by four (4) single digits in peel strip area
Marginal Markings: Header: EARTH DAY Twenty First-Class Forever Stamps • Plate number in peel strip area • ©2019 USPS in peel strip area • Barcode • Promotional text in peel strip area

From the U.S. Postal Service announcement on October 22, 2019:

The Postal Service introduces Garden Corsage, a new 2-ounce stamp. This stamp can accommodate the weight of heavy invitations for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and other celebrations, oversize greeting cards for all occasions, and mailings such as small gifts that require extra postage. The stamp features a photograph of a corsage containing a spray of peach roses and a pink ranunculus, accented with deep-pink heather and seeded eucalyptus. A cream-colored lace ribbon entwines the flowers. Garden Corsage is similar in design to the Contemporary Boutonniere Forever stamp, and the two form a natural pair. The corsage was arranged by floral designer Carol Caggiano and photographed by Renée Comet. Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamp.

Additional information will be posted below the line, with the most recent at the top.

This stamp was issued Thursday, April 2nd, in Crestwood, Kentucky.

The Scott Catalogue number for this issue is 5458.

Updated April 16th:
Here are the first-day cancels for this issue:The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.85″ x 1.38″ The pictorial postmark measures 2.64″ x 0.95″

Updated March 23rd:
The first-day ceremony for this stamp has been canceled. The stamp will still be issued on April 2nd. More details will be announced closer to the issue date.

Updated March 12th:
Technical Specifications:

Issue: Garden Corsage Stamp
Item Number: 585900
Denomination & Type of Issue: 2-Ounce Rate, Non-denominated, Mail Use
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: April 2, 2020, Crestwood, KY 40014
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Designer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Typographer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Photographer Renée Comet, Washington, DC
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 45,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Stamp Orientation: Horizontal
Image Area (w x h): 1.05 x 0.77 in./26.67 x 19.558 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 1.19 x 0.91 in./30.226 x 23.114 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.76 x 5.55 in./146.304 x 140.97 mm
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, PMS Cool Gray 7 C
Plate Size: 320 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “P” followed by five (5) single digits in four corners
Marginal Markings: Plate position diagram (8) • 2 Barcodes (585900) • ©2019 USPS • USPS logo • Promotional text

Updated March 6th:
Here are the first-day cancels for this issue:The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.72″ x 1.41″ The pictorial measures 2.39″ x 1.22″

Updated March 4th:
[press release]
Save the Date: Boutonniere and Corsage Stamps Arrive in April
New Stamps Perfect for Mailing Wedding and Other Invitations

WHAT: The U.S. Postal Service introduces two stamps for many of life’s special moments. The Contemporary Boutonniere Forever stamp and the Garden Corsage 2-ounce stamp form a natural pair.

The first-day-of-issue event for these stamps is free and open to the public. News of the stamps is being shared with the hashtags #BoutonniereStamp and #CorsageStamp.

WHO: David E. Williams, chief operating officer and executive vice president, U.S. Postal Service

WHEN: Thursday, April 2, 2020, at 11 a.m. ET

WHERE:
Yew Dell Botanical Gardens
6220 Old LaGrange Road
Crestwood, KY 40014

RSVP: Dedication ceremony attendees are encouraged to RSVP at www.usps.com/boutonnierecorsage.

Background: These new stamps reflect the organic style popular for today’s floral designs. Photographs of a boutonniere and corsage were used as the artwork for these chic stamps.

The Contemporary Boutonniere stamp is well suited for RSVP envelopes included inside wedding invitations. It is also a perfect touch for thank-you notes and announcements, in addition to regular correspondence. The 2-ounce Garden Corsage stamp can accommodate the weight of heavy invitations, oversize greeting cards, and mailings that require extra postage.

The flower arrangements in both of these designs create beautiful botanical presentations.

Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shop, by calling 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724), by mail through USA Philatelic or at Post Office locations nationwide.

Updated February 27th:

On April 2, 2020, in Crestwood, KY, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Garden Corsage stamp (Non-denominated priced at the 2-ounce rate) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 585900). The stamp will go on sale nationwide April 2, 2020, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

The United States Postal Service introduces Garden Corsage, a new 2-ounce stamp for all of life’s special moments. This stamp can accommodate the weight of:

• Heavy invitations for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and other celebrations;
• Oversize greeting cards for all occasions; and
• Mailing small gifts that require extra postage.

The stamp art features a photograph of a corsage containing a spray of peach roses and a pink ranunculus, accented with deep-pink heather and seeded eucalyptus. A cream-colored lace ribbon entwines the flowers. Garden Corsage is similar in design to the Contemporary Boutonniere Forever stamp, and the two form a natural pair. The corsage was arranged by floral designer Carol Caggiano, and photographed by Renée Comet. Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamp.

No automatic distribution to post offices.

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 – Garden Corsage 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 August 2, 2020.

Technical Specifications are not yet available.

Updated February 25th:
The first-day ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. at Yew Dell Botanical Gardens, 6220 Old LaGrange Road in Crestwood.

You can reserve a space here.

From the U.S. Postal Service announcement on October 22, 2019:

Contemporary Boutonniere is a new Forever stamp similar in design to the new 2-ounce Garden Corsage stamp. It can be used for wedding RSVP cards and is also perfect for party invitations, thank-you notes, announcements, birthday cards, Father’s Day cards and other occasions when a beautiful stamp is fitting. The stamp features a photograph of an arrangement of a burgundy mini-cymbidium orchid bloom, a succulent and a touch of green hydrangea, accented with loops of variegated lily grass. These materials are on trend for today’s modern designs, as arranged by floral designer Carol Caggiano and photographed by Renée Comet. Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamp.

Additional information will be posted below the line, with the most recent at the top.

This stamp was issued Thursday, April 2nd, in Crestwood, Kentucky.

The Scott Catalogue number for this issue is 5457.

Updated March 23rd:
The first-day ceremony for this stamp has been canceled. The stamp will still be issued on April 2nd. More details will be announced closer to the issue date.

Updated March 6th:
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue:The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.98″ x 1.35″ The pictorial postmark measures 2.62″ x 0.96″

Updated March 4th:
[press release]
Save the Date: Boutonniere and Corsage Stamps Arrive in April
New Stamps Perfect for Mailing Wedding and Other Invitations

WHAT: The U.S. Postal Service introduces two stamps for many of life’s special moments. The Contemporary Boutonniere Forever stamp and the Garden Corsage 2-ounce stamp form a natural pair.

The first-day-of-issue event for these stamps is free and open to the public. News of the stamps is being shared with the hashtags #BoutonniereStamp and #CorsageStamp.

WHO: David E. Williams, chief operating officer and executive vice president, U.S. Postal Service

WHEN: Thursday, April 2, 2020, at 11 a.m. ET

WHERE:
Yew Dell Botanical Gardens
6220 Old LaGrange Road
Crestwood, KY 40014

RSVP: Dedication ceremony attendees are encouraged to RSVP at www.usps.com/boutonnierecorsage.

Background: These new stamps reflect the organic style popular for today’s floral designs. Photographs of a boutonniere and corsage were used as the artwork for these chic stamps.

The Contemporary Boutonniere stamp is well suited for RSVP envelopes included inside wedding invitations. It is also a perfect touch for thank-you notes and announcements, in addition to regular correspondence. The 2-ounce Garden Corsage stamp can accommodate the weight of heavy invitations, oversize greeting cards, and mailings that require extra postage.

The flower arrangements in both of these designs create beautiful botanical presentations.

Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shop, by calling 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724), by mail through USA Philatelic or at Post Office locations nationwide.

Updated February 25th:
The first-day ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. at Yew Dell Botanical Gardens, 6220 Old LaGrange Road in Crestwood.

You can reserve a space here.

From the February 27th Postal Bulletin:

On April 2, 2020, in Crestwood, KY, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Contemporary Boutonniere stamp (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 572300). The stamp will go on sale nationwide April 2, 2020, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

Contemporary Boutonniere is similar in design to the 2-ounce Garden Corsage stamp, and can be used for:

• Wedding RSVP cards and party invitations;
• Thank-you notes and announcements;
• Birthday cards;
• Father‘s Day cards, or any occasion when a beautiful stamp is needed.

The stamp art features a photograph of a burgundy mini-cymbidium orchid bloom, a succulent, and a touch of green hydrangea, accented with loops of variegated lily grass. Each of these materials are right on trend for today’s modern designs. The boutonniere was arranged by floral designer Carol Caggiano, and photographed by Renée Comet. Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamp.

No automatic distribution to post offices.

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 – Contemporary Boutonniere 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 August 2, 2020.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Contemporary Boutonniere Stamp
Item Number: 572300
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: April 2, 2020, Crestwood, KY 40014
Art Director: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Designer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Typographer: Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Photographer Renée Comet, Washington, DC
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 200,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.77 x 1.05 in./19.558 x 26.67 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.91 x 1.19 in./23.114 x 30.226 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.55 x 5.76 in./140.97 x 146.304 mm
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, PMS Cool Gray 7 C
Plate Size: 320 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “P” followed by five (5) single digits in four corners
Marginal Markings: Plate position diagram (8) • 2 Barcodes (572300) • ©2019 USPS • USPS logo • Promotional text

From the U.S. Postal Service announcement on October 22, 2019:

This stamp celebrates the 200th anniversary of Maine statehood. Nicknamed the Pine Tree State, Maine became the 23rd state in the Union on Mar. 15, 1820. American painter Edward Hopper (1882-1967) was among the many prominent artists who sought the tranquility of the state’s coastal towns during the summer. His painting “Sea at Ogunquit” (1914) captures the rugged beauty characteristic of Maine. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamp.

Issue date: Sunday, March 15th.

The Scott Catalogue number for this issue is 5456.

Additional information will be posted below the line, with the most recent at the top.

Updated April 26^th:
Linn’s Stamp News reports the first-day ceremony has been rescheduled for September 27th, at the Augusta Armory. It will again be part of the overall state bicentennial event.

Updated March 13^th:

Ceremony postponed!

[press release]
Maine Statehood Stamp Dedication Ceremony Postponed
Stamp will still available for purchase starting Sunday, March 15.

The U.S. Postal Service dedication of the Maine Statehood Forever stamp, scheduled for March 15, 2020, will be delayed due to the postponement of the host event, the Maine Statehood Day Ceremony in Augusta, ME. The Maine Statehood Forever stamp will still be available for purchase starting Sunday, March 15.

The Maine Bicentennial Commission noted that it would reschedule the Statehood celebration for a date when everyone can safely come together to join in observing 200 years of Maine statehood.

The Postal Service will schedule a special dedication for the Maine Statehood Forever stamp at a later date that will likely coincide with the Statehood Day ceremony as planned.

Customers may still purchase the stamps starting Sunday, March 15…

Updated February 24^th:
[press release / ceremony details]
U.S. Postal Service to Issue Maine Statehood Forever Stamp March 15

What: The U.S. Postal Service celebrates the 200th anniversary of Maine statehood with a new Forever stamp. Maine became the 23rd state on March 15, 1820.

The picturesque rocky coastline of Maine has long inspired the imagination of writers and artists. American painter Edward Hopper (1882-1967) was among the many prominent artists who sought the tranquility of the state’s coastal towns during the summer. His painting “Sea at Ogunquit” (1914) captures the rugged beauty so characteristic of Maine and is being represented on the stamp, which art director Derry Noyes designed.

The stamp dedication event will be part of the Maine Statehood Day Ceremony activities.

Who: Michael J. Elston, Secretary of the Board of Governors, U.S. Postal Service
Janet Mills, Governor, State of Maine
Matthew Dunlap, Secretary of State, Maine

When: Sunday, March 15, 2020, 1 p.m. EDT

Where: Augusta Armory
179 Western Ave.
Augusta, ME 04330

RSVP: Dedication ceremony attendees are encouraged to RSVP at usps.com/mainestatehood.

Background:
Maine celebrates its bicentennial in 2020, but its history of human habitation dates back some 12,000 years to the earliest Native Americans, who are now part of the Wabanaki Confederacy. During the Colonial period, Maine territory was disputed between Massachusetts Bay Colony and French Acadia, who sought allies among and warred against Native Americans. Following the Revolutionary War and ratification of the U.S. Constitution, the District of Maine remained part of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Maine became an independent state on March 15, 1820. Portland, the state’s largest city then and now, served as the capital until 1827 when the seat of government moved to Augusta, a more geographically central location.

Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through The Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724), by mail through USA Philatelic or at Post Office locations nationwide.

Updated February 13, 2020:
This stamp will be issued Sunday, March 15th, in Augusta, Maine. This is a change from what was initially announced.

From the Postal Bulletin:

On March 15, 2020, in Augusta, ME, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Maine Statehood stamp (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive pane of 20 stamps (Item 476100). The stamp will go on sale nationwide March 15, 2020, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

This stamp celebrates the 200th anniversary of Maine statehood. Nicknamed the Pine Tree State, Maine became the 23rd state in the Union on March 15, 1820. American painter Edward Hopper (1882–1967) was among the many prominent artists who sought the tranquility of the state’s coastal towns during the summer. His painting Sea at Ogunquit (1914) captures the rugged beauty so characteristic of Maine. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamp.

Availability to Post Offices: Item 476100, Maine Statehood (Forever Priced at the First-Class Mail Rate) Pane of 20 Stamps. Automatic push.

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 – Maine Statehood 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 July 15, 2020.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Maine Statehood Stamp
Item Number: 476100
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: Statehood
Issue Date & City: March 15, 2020, Augusta, ME 04330
Art Director: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Designer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Typographer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Existing Art: Edward Hopper
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 20,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Stamp Orientation: Horizontal
Image Area (w x h): 1.42 x 0.84 in./36.068 x 21.336 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 1.56 x 0.98 in./39.624 x 24.892 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 7.24 x 5.92 in./183.896 x 150.368 mm
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
Plate Size: 240 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “P” followed by four (4) single digits in four corners
Marginal Markings: Plate position diagram (6) • 2 Barcodes (476100) • ©2019 USPS • USPS logo
• Promotional text

Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue:The Digital Color Postmark (DCP) measures 2.76″ x 1.46″ The B&W Pictorial Postmark measures 2.64″ x 1.24″

From the U.S. Postal Service announcement on October 22, 2019:

This stamp honors champion golfer Arnold Palmer (1929–2016). With drive and charisma, he helped transform a game once seen as a pastime for the elite into a sport enjoyed by the masses. The stamp features James Drake’s action photograph of Palmer at the 1964 United States Open at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, MD. Art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamp.

The stamp is being issued Wednesday, March 4, in Orlando, FL, at the Arnold Palmer Invitation golf tournament. Details below.

The Scott catalogue number is 5455.

Additional information will be posted below the line, with the most recent at the top.

Updated February 6th
Here are the first-day cancels for this issue: The Digital Color Postmark for this issue measures 1.84″ x 1.48″ The pictorial postmark measures 2.72″ x 1.21″ The special postmark, for use by local post offices, measures 2.97″ x 1.18″

Updated February 1 from the Postal Bulletin:

On March 4, 2020, in Orlando, FL, the United States Postal Service® will issue the Arnold Palmer stamp (Forever® priced at the First-Class Mail® rate) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive pane of 20 stamps (Item 475900). The stamp will go on sale nationwide March 4, 2020, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

This stamp honors champion golfer Arnold Palmer (1929–2016). With drive and charisma, he helped transform a game once seen as a pastime for the elite into a sport enjoyed by the masses. The stamp art features James Drake’s action photograph of Palmer at the 1964 United States Open at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, MD. Art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamp.

Availability to Post Offices: Item 475900, Arnold Palmer (Forever Priced at the First-Class Mail Rate) Pane of 20 Stamps: Automatic push.

There is a special dedication postmark for this issue.

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 – Arnold Palmer 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 July 4, 2020.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Arnold Palmer Stamp
Item Number: 475900
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: March 4, 2020, Orlando, FL 32862
Art Director: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Designer: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Typographer: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Existing Photo: James Drake
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 25,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.84 x 1.42 in./21.336 x 36.068 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.98 x 1.56 in./24.892 x 39.624 mm
Pane Size (w x h): 5.92 x 7.5 in./150.368 x 190.5 mm
Press Sheet Size (w x h): 11.84 x 22.75 in./ 300.736 x 577.85 mm
Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
Plate Size: 240 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “P” followed by four (4) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: Arnold Palmer: Professional Golfer • Plate number in bottom two corners
Back: Plate position diagram (6) • 2 Barcodes (475900) • ©2019 USPS • USPS logo • Promotional text

[press release]
Legendary Golfer Arnold Palmer to be Honored With Stamp at PGA Tour Tournament Event

WHAT: The U.S. Postal Service will dedicate a stamp honoring golfer Arnold Palmer (1929–2016), who rose from humble beginnings to become a champion.

The stamp dedication ceremony at the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by Mastercard is open to ticketholders. Limited tickets are available for philatelic media available upon request. News of the stamp is being shared with the hashtag #ArnoldPalmerForever.

For more information, visit usps.com/arnoldpalmer.

WHO: The Honorable Roman Martinez IV, U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors

WHEN: Wednesday, March 4, 2020, at 11:15 a.m. EST

WHERE:
Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by Mastercard
Bay Hill Club & Lodge
9000 Bay Hill Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32819

Background: The U.S. Postal Service will dedicate a stamp honoring golfer Arnold Palmer (1929–2016), who rose from humble beginnings to become a champion. With drive and charisma, he helped transform a game once seen as a pastime for the elite into a sport enjoyed by the masses.

During a nearly decade-long period beginning in 1958, Palmer led the Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA) Tour in yearly money winnings four times; won the Vardon Trophy, awarded to the player with the lowest scoring average, four times; and twice earned PGA Player of the Year honors. In 1964, he won his seventh and final major. The six U.S. Ryder Cup teams of which he was a member won the biennial international competition. He captained the team twice, first as a player in 1963, then in 1975. Overall, Palmer won 62 PGA Tour events, the fifth-most of all time, and 92 tournaments worldwide.

The stamp features James Drake’s action photograph of Palmer at the 1964 U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, MD. Palmer’s name appears in the top left corner and the words “Forever” and “USA” are printed along the bottom of the left edge.

Art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamp.

The Arnold Palmer stamp is being issued as a Forever stamp, which will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.

From the U.S. Postal Service announcement on October 22, 2019:

In 2020, the Postal Service issues Let’s Celebrate!, a new stamp that adds fun to celebratory greeting cards, invitations and gift-bearing envelopes and packages. No matter the occasion — birthday, anniversary, holiday, engagement, new job, retirement — Let’s Celebrate! helps send cheer along with well wishes. The stamp features an array of colorful circles in varying sizes arranged in a random pattern. The letters in the word “celebrate,” cast in a dark green hue, appear inside several brightly colored circles on a white background. Art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamp.

Additional information will be posted below the line, with the most recent at the top.

This stamp will be issued Friday, February 14th, in Mesa, Arizona. That coincides with the ARIPEX stamp show in Mesa.

The Scott catalogue number is 5434.

January 21st: The “killerbar” postmark is also available for this issue, similar to this mock-up: The other two first-day postmarks are shown below.

Updated January 19:
[press release]
A New Stamp to Celebrate
U.S. Postal Service Says “Let’s Celebrate!” with Forever Stamp

What: In February 2020, the U.S. Postal Service will issue the Let’s Celebrate! stamp for any joyous occasion. Whether celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, a new job or retirement, this stamp will help mark the occasion.

News of the stamp is being shared with the hashtag #CelebrationStamp.

Who: Janice Walker, vice president, Corporate Communications, U.S. Postal Service

When: Friday, Feb. 14, 2020, 1 p.m. Mountain Time

Where: Aripex 2020 Stamp Show
Mesa Convention Center
263 North Center Street
Mesa, AZ 85201-6628

RSVP: Dedication ceremony attendees are encouraged to RSVP atusps.com/celebrationstamps

Background:.

Like a burst of confetti, Let’s Celebrate! adds an extra dash of color to celebratory greeting cards, invitations and gift-bearing envelopes and packages.

The Let’s Celebrate! stamp features colorful circles in varying sizes arranged in a random pattern. The letters in “celebrate,” cast in a dark green hue, appear inside several brightly colored circles. Art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamp.

Let’s Celebrate! is being issued as a Forever stamp, which will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.

Updated January 2 from the Postal Bulletin:

On February 14, 2020, in Mesa, AZ, the United States Postal Service will issue the Let’s Celebrate! stamp (Forever priced at the First-Class Mail rate) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps (Item 572500). The stamp will go on sale nationwide February 14, 2020, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

The Postal Service is pleased to issue Let’s Celebrate!, a new stamp that adds an extra dash of fun to celebratory greeting cards, invitations, and gift-bearing envelopes and packages. No matter the occasion — birthday, anniversary, holiday, engagement, new job, retirement — Let‘s Celebrate! will help send cheer to those deserving of well wishes. The stamp art features an array of colorful circles in varying sizes arranged in a random pattern. The letters in the word “celebrate,” cast in a dark green hue, appear inside several brightly colored circles on a white background. Art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamp.

Item 572500, Let’s Celebrate! (Forever Priced at the First-Class Mail Rate) PSA Pane of 20 Stamps: 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 – Let’s Celebrate! 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 June 14, 2020.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Let’s Celebrate! Stamp
Item Number: 572500
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: N/A
Issue Date & City: February 14, 2020, Mesa, AZ 85201
Art Director: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Designer: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Typographer: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Foil Stamping, Offset, Flexographic, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Gallus RCS
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 300,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper, Block
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, Pantone Cool Gray 7
Other: Magenta Foil Luxor 28612, Teal Foil Luxor 361, Orange Foil Luxor 404
Stamp Orientation: Horizontal
Image Area (w x h): 1.42 x 0.84 in./ 36.068 x 21.336 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 1.56 x 0.98 in./39.624 x 24.892 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 6 x 7.24 in./152.4 x 183.896 mm
Plate Size: 160 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “B” followed by five (5) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Plate number in four corners
Back: ©2019 USPS • USPS logo • 2 barcodes (572500) • Plate position diagram (8) • Promotional text

Here are the first-day cancels for this issue: The Digital Color Postmark measures 2.67″ x 1.26″ The B&W pictorial measures 2.62″ x 1.23″

From the U.S. Postal Service announcement on October 22, 2019:

Made of Hearts is a continuation of the Postal Service tradition of creating stamps that celebrate love. The stamp features horizontal lines of red and pink hearts on a white background. Toward the center, red hearts in varying sizes replace pink hearts in a formation that creates one large red heart, the focal point of this graphic design. This stamp is just right for thank-you notes, get-well cards or any occasion when love is the perfect message. Art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamp..

The Scott catalogue number for this issue is 5430

Additional information will be posted below the line, with the most recent at the top.

This stamp will be issued Thursday, January 23rd in Memphis, Tenn.

December 20th: Here are the first day cancels for this issue:

The DCP measures 2.63″ x 1.50″ The B&W pictorial measures 2.97″ x 1.48″

Also December 20th::

[press release]
Love Stamp is Made of Hearts

WHAT: Made of Hearts, the latest stamp in the U.S. Postal Service’s Love series, will be issued next month in time for Valentine’s Day. The Forever stamp features horizontal lines of red and pink hearts on a white background.

The first-day-of-issue event for the Made of Hearts Forever stamp is free and open to the public. News of the stamp is being shared with the hashtag #LoveStamps.

WHO: David E. Williams, chief operating officer and executive vice president, U.S. Postal Service

WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020, at 11 a.m. CST

WHERE:
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
501 St Jude Pl
Memphis, TN 38105

RSVP: Dedication ceremony attendees are encouraged to RSVP at: usps.com/lovestamps.

Background: These new stamps from the U.S. Postal Service will deliver your message in style. Hearts are used to signify more than romantic or eternal love. Hearts are universally understood to symbolize devotion, affection and love.

While issued for use at Valentine’s Day, these stamps need no special holiday. This stamp is just right for thank-you notes, get well cards or any occasion when love is the perfect message.

December 19th: from the Postal Bulletin

On January 23, 2020, in Memphis, TN, the United States Postal Service will issue the Made of Hearts stamp (Forever priced at the First-Class Mail rate) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive pane of 20 stamps (Item 572400). The stamp will go on sale nationwide January 23, 2020, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

Made of Hearts is a continuation of the United States Postal Service tradition of creating stamps that celebrate love. The stamp art features horizontal lines of red and pink hearts on a white background. Toward the center, red hearts in varying sizes replace pink hearts in a formation that creates one large red heart, the focal point of this graphic design. This stamp is just right for thank you notes, get well cards, or any occasion when love is the perfect message. Antonio Alcalá designed the stamp and was art director for this project.

Availability to Post Offices: Item 572400, Made of Hearts (Forever Priced at the First-Class Mail Rate) Pane of 20 Stamps: Stamp Fulfillment Services will make an automatic push distribution to Post Offices of a quantity to cover approximately 30 days of sales.

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 – Made of Hearts 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 May 23, 2020.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Made of Hearts Stamp
Item Number: 572400
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: Love
Issue Date & City: January 23, 2020, Memphis, TN 38105
Art Director: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Designer: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Typographer: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Artist: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Press Type: Muller A76
Stamps per Booklet: 20
Print Quantity: 200,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.77 x 1.05 in./19.558 x 26.67 mm
Stamp Size (w x h): 0.91 x 1.19 in./23.114 x 30.226 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 5.55 x 5.76 in./140.97 x 146.304 mm
Press Sheet Size (w x h): 22.2 x 11.52 in./ 563.88 x 292.608 mm
Colors: PMS 2035 C Red, PMS 671 Pink C, PMS 670 Pink C, PMS Cool Gray 6 C
Plate Size: 320 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “P” followed by four (4) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Plate number in four corners
Back: ©2019 USPS • USPS Logo • Two barcodes (572400) • Plate position diagram (8) • Promotional text

From the U.S. Postal Service announcement on October 22, 2019:

The 43rd stamp in the Black Heritage series honors Gwen Ifill (1955–2016), one of America’s most esteemed journalists. The stamp features a photo of Ifill taken in 2008 by photographer Robert Severi. Among the first African Americans to hold prominent positions in both broadcast and print journalism, Ifill was a trailblazer in the profession. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamp.

This stamp was issued Thursday, January 30th in Washington, DC.

The Scott catalogue number for this issue is 5432.

Additional information will be posted below the line, with the most recent at the top.

January 29th:

ESPER – the Ebony Society for Philatelic Events and Reflections – is organizing group photos of New Jersey ESPER members buying the Gwen Ifill stamp on its first day (Thursday, January 30th).

The times are 10:15 a.m. at the Scotch Plains post office (536 Park Avenue) and 1:15 p.m. at the Judge Shirley Tolentino/Bergen South Post Office in Jersey City (369 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd.)

December 23rd:
[press release]
U.S. Postal Service Issuing Gwen Ifill Black Heritage Forever Stamp Jan. 30

What: The 43rd stamp in the Black Heritage series honors Gwen Ifill, one of the nation’s most esteemed journalists. The stamp art features a photo of Ifill taken in 2008 by photographer Robert Severi. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamp.
The Gwen Ifill stamp will be issued in panes of 20.

The stamp dedication ceremony is free and open to the public. News of the stamp is being shared with the hashtags #GwenIfillForever and #BlackHeritageStamps.

Who: Ronald A. Stroman, Deputy Postmaster General, U.S. Postal Service and Dedicating Official

When: Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020, at 11 a.m. EST

Where:
Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church
1518 M Street NW
Washington, DC 20005

RSVP: Dedication ceremony attendees are encouraged to RSVP at usps.com/gwenifillblackheritage

Background:
Gwen Ifill was among the first African Americans to hold prominent positions in both broadcast and print journalism.

After graduating from college in 1977, Ifill worked at The Boston Herald American, The Baltimore Evening Sun, The Washington Post and The New York Times. In 1994, she took a broadcast job at NBC, where she covered politics in the DC bureau. Five years later, she joined PBS; she became the senior political correspondent for “The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer” and moderator and managing editor of “Washington Week” — the first woman and first African American to moderate a major television news-analysis show.
In 2013, she became co-anchor of the “PBS NewsHour,” part of the first all-female team to anchor a national nightly news program. Ifill died in 2016.

Among Ifill’s honors were the Radio Television Digital News Foundation’s Leonard Zeidenberg First Amendment Award (2006), Harvard’s Joan Shorenstein Center’s Goldsmith Career Award for Excellence in Journalism (2009) and induction into the National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame (2012). In 2015, she was awarded the Fourth Estate Award by the National Press Club. She received numerous honorary degrees and served on the boards of the News Literacy Project and the Committee to Protect Journalists, which renamed its Press Freedom Award in her honor.

The 2016 John Chancellor Award was posthumously awarded to Ifill by the Columbia Journalism School. In 2017, the Washington Press Club Foundation and the “PBS NewsHour” created a journalism fellowship named for Ifill. Her alma mater, Simmons University, opened the Gwen Ifill College of Media, Arts, and Humanities in 2018.

December 20th: Here are the first day cancels for this issue: The Digital Color Postmark for this issue 2.49″x1.20″ The B&W pictorial for this issue measures 2.46″ x 1.08″ The “special” postmark measures 2.82″ x 1.15″

December 19th: From the Postal Bulletin

On January 30, 2020, in Washington, DC, the United States Postal Service will issue the Gwen Ifill stamp (Forever priced at the First-Class Mail rate) in one design, in a pressure-sensitive adhesive pane of 20 stamps (Item 475800). The stamp will go on sale nationwide January 30, 2020, and must not be sold or canceled before the first-day-of-issue.

The 43rd stamp in the Black Heritage series honors Gwen Ifill (1955–2016), one of America’s most esteemed journalists. The stamp art features a photo of Ifill taken in 2008 by photographer Robert Severi. Among the first African Americans to hold prominent positions in both broadcast and print journalism, Ifill was a trailblazer in the profession. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamp.

Availability to Post Offices: Item 475800, Gwen Ifill (Forever Priced at the First-Class Mail Rate) Commemorative Pane of 20 Stamps: Stamp Fulfillment Services will make an automatic push distribution to Post Offices of a quantity to cover approximately 30 days of sales.

There is a Special Dedication Postmark for this issue.

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 – Gwen Ifill 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 May 30, 2020.

Technical Specifications:

Issue: Gwen Ifill Stamp
Item Number: 475800
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: Black Heritage
Issue Date & City: January 30, 2020, Washington, DC 20066
Art Director: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Designer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Typographer: Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
Existing Photo: Robert Severi
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Alprinta 74
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 40,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor Tagged Paper Block
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Processed at: Banknote Corporation of America
Colors: Custom Gray, Pantone 2715, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.84 x 1.42 in/21.336 x 36.068 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 0.98 x 1.56 in/24.892 x 39.624 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 6 x 8.5 in/152.4 x 215.9 mm
Press Sheet Size (w x h): 12 x 25.75 in/304.8 x 654.05 mm
Plate Size: 240 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers: “B” followed by six (6) single digits
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: BLACK HERITAGE, Celebrating Gwen Ifill, 43RD IN A SERIES • Plate number in bottom two corners
Back: ©2019 USPS • USPS Logo • Two barcodes (475800) • Plate position diagram (6) • Promotional text

October 23rd: PBS has noted this stamp. The story is here.