The U.S. National Postal Museum (NPM), managed by the Smithsonian Institution, marked its 30th anniversary this summer after opening its doors to the public on July 30, 1993.
More than 10.6 million people have visited the NPM over the past three decades.
“Many millions more have visited us online to learn about our museum and experience amazing stories of American history,” reads a statement issued by the long-running museum. “The museum has showcased 125 exhibitions in its gallery spaces over the past 30 years, including our current line-up of 17 exhibitions. We also host an additional 65 virtual exhibitions that allow us to present collection objects and stories remotely.”
The NPM opens its doors to collectors and tourists every day of the year except Dec. 25. Housed within the NPM and with a portion on display in the museum’s National Stamp Salon, the National Philatelic Collection dates back to 1886 with the donation of a sheet of 10-cent Confederate States stamps.
“Generous gifts from individuals and foreign governments, transfers from government agencies and occasional purchases have increased the collection to today’s total of more than six million items.”
Along with the Postmaster General’s Philatelic Collection, the National Philatelic Collection is one of two stamp collections owned by the United States.
In Canada, the Canadian Museum of History houses the Canadian Stamp Collection, which features more than 3,000 stamps issued by Canada since 1851.