The Smithsonian Postal Museum in Washington
Even if you're not obsessive about stamps, the Smithsonian Postal Museum in Washington DC is a fascinating place. The museum is housed in the building which used to be the main post office of Washington. It's incredibly grand, with vaulted ceilings, brass grilles and marble counters.
The museum also houses what is effectively the national postal collection. On display are some real gems including the British Guyana One Cent Magenta and an inverted Jenny. To protect the more valuable items, the lighting is kept very subdued, which makes viewing a bit difficult. And there are special rooms where scholars and serious philatelists can - by appointment - examine the stamps which aren't on display.
The United States has traditionally been very proud of its Post Office, which is often seen as one of the forces which help forge the United States. The museum is full of exhibits showing how the Post office has delivered post, combatted fraud, fought off bandits and linked the people across the huge expanses of wilderness.
There is also stuff to amuse the kids, including lots of stamps for them to play with and keep, The staff are very helpful and - like all the Smithsonian museums - it is funded by the Federal government and so is absolutely free
See also - John du Pont - the billionaire who collected stamps in jail
The museum also houses what is effectively the national postal collection. On display are some real gems including the British Guyana One Cent Magenta and an inverted Jenny. To protect the more valuable items, the lighting is kept very subdued, which makes viewing a bit difficult. And there are special rooms where scholars and serious philatelists can - by appointment - examine the stamps which aren't on display.
The United States has traditionally been very proud of its Post Office, which is often seen as one of the forces which help forge the United States. The museum is full of exhibits showing how the Post office has delivered post, combatted fraud, fought off bandits and linked the people across the huge expanses of wilderness.
There is also stuff to amuse the kids, including lots of stamps for them to play with and keep, The staff are very helpful and - like all the Smithsonian museums - it is funded by the Federal government and so is absolutely free
See also - John du Pont - the billionaire who collected stamps in jail
