The United Nations Philatelists Inc. (UNPI) will hold UNEXPO 2021 at American Philatelic Society (APS) headquarters in Bellefonte, Pa., on Oct. 29-30.
Held in conjunction with the APS, it will mark the third UNEXPO since the first show in 1991, when organizers marked the 50th anniversary of United Nations (UN) stamps. The second show, held in 2017, also took place in Bellefonte.
“We are in fact returning to Bellefonte for a second time given the resounding success of our first special exhibition in 2017,” Greg Galletti, the show’s exhibition chair, wrote in a special issue of the UNPI Journal released this month to serve as the official exhibition program. “As we know all to painfully well, much has transpired over those four years that have challenged our ability to gather together to enjoy our hobby and friendships that make philately such a unique and rewarding pastime. But we are here, and look forward to another wonderful exhibition.”
Victorious exhibitors at the upcoming UNEXPO will receive special ‘United Nations Philatelists’ medals (shown). Photo via UNPI Journal.
This year’s two-day show focuses on UN philately but is open to everyone. The World Series of Philately exhibition will feature more than 100 frames (or 1,600 pages). The United Nations Postal Administration, which issues UN stamps, will also be at the show to issue a new set commemorating “Celebrations” with three panes of 10-stamp personalized sheets.
In addition to a dealer bourse, seminars and tours of the APS’ American Philatelic Research Library, the show will also include the UNPI’s annual meeting and awards ceremony plus a specialized UN auction hosted by New York’s H.R. Harmer. Auction lots will be available for viewing during the entire show on the bourse floor.
Canadian philatelist Larry Davidson, of Stratford, Ont., is one of four UNPI directors currently serving on the organization’s board. Davidson authored an article, “Collecting World Health Organization,” in the recent UNPI Journal.