Philatelists from across Canada and beyond gathered in Toronto this July to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Vincent Graves Greene Philatelic Research Foundation. Held at the historic Campbell House Museum, the sold-out “Day of Philately” brought together collectors, exhibitors, and global leaders in the hobby, including Fellows of the Royal Philatelic Society London (RPSL) and members of the Philatelic Specialists Society of Canada (PSSC).
Headlining the event were lectures from two internationally respected philatelists: David Beech, former curator of the British Library’s Philatelic Collections, and U.S. collector and storyteller Alex Haimann. Their talks highlighted the evolving role of philatelic libraries and the growing importance of “context philately” – an inclusive approach to collecting that ties stamps to broader historical and cultural narratives.
Beech, returning to Canada for the first time in years, captivated attendees with stories from his three-decade career and rare items from iconic collections. Meanwhile, Haimann added a personal touch by including his young son in the presentation, drawing warm applause for both the content and the sentiment behind it. Together, the speakers emphasized the vitality and depth of philately when grounded in human experience and research.
The event also marked the 10th edition of the Harry Sutherland Philatelic Lecture, revived for the first time since the pandemic. With attendees ranging from seasoned specialists to new collectors, the celebration underlined the Greene Foundation’s enduring role in Canadian philately and its dedication to promoting excellence in research, education, and preservation.
To read the full story, including reflections, and highlights from the speakers, pick up the latest issue of Canadian Stamp News (Vol. 50 No. 09 – Aug. 12–25, 2025). Subscribe today at canadianstampnews.com/subscribe.