National Stamp Collecting Month
October 1 - October 31
About National Stamp Collecting Month
National Stamp Collecting Month is observed throughout October across the United States, encouraging people of all ages to take up philately, the study and collection of postage stamps. Established in 1981 by the United States Postal Service in partnership with the Council of Philatelic Organizations, it celebrates one of the world’s most enduring hobbies and the small works of art that travel the globe on our mail.
The Story Behind National Stamp Collecting Month
The roots of the celebration reach back to 1 October 1981, when the United States Postal Service launched the very first National Stamp Collecting Month alongside the Council of Philatelic Organizations. The two bodies shared a common aim: to introduce more Americans to a pastime that had quietly flourished for well over a century. Then Postmaster General William F. Bolger announced the observance and encouraged “employees and customers alike to discover the joy of stamp collecting, the hobby of a lifetime.”
That opening year carried the theme “Discover Stamp Collecting, the Hobby of a Lifetime.” To mark the occasion, the Postal Service produced a souvenir card featuring two stamps: the historic 5 dollar Columbian issue and the 1981 “Benefiting Mankind” stamp from the Space Achievement series. The gesture set a pattern of using stamps themselves to promote the wider hobby, a fitting strategy for a celebration built around the printed page.
Four years later, in 1985, the Postal Service began issuing stamps specifically to mark National Stamp Collecting Month, starting with a set picturing different breeds of horses. The tradition continued in the decades that followed, with colourful releases ranging from prehistoric animals to space exploration, and even a Batman issue in 2014. Each release gave collectors a fresh reason to visit the post office in October and reminded a new generation that the hobby was alive and well.
Although stamp collecting as a pastime is far older than the awareness month, the October celebration gave it a dedicated moment in the American calendar. The hobby itself traces back to 1840 and the issue of the Penny Black in Great Britain, the world’s first adhesive postage stamp, after which collecting spread rapidly across Europe and beyond.
When and Where is National Stamp Collecting Month Celebrated?
National Stamp Collecting Month runs for the whole of October each year, beginning on Thursday, 1 October 2026 and continuing until Saturday, 31 October 2026. It is a United States observance led by the Postal Service, though the spirit of the month resonates with collectors around the world. Because it spans an entire calendar month rather than a single fixed day, there is no need for a shifting date: it simply occupies October year after year.
Traditions and Customs
Over four decades, a number of customs have grown up around the month:
- Commemorative stamp releases – The Postal Service has frequently timed colourful new issues to coincide with October, giving collectors a themed release to chase each year.
- Souvenir cards and special cancellations – From the very first year, souvenir cards and pictorial postmarks have offered collectors keepsakes unique to the month.
- Stamp shows and exhibitions – Local philatelic societies and dealers host shows where collectors trade, browse, and display prized albums.
- Youth outreach – Schools, libraries, and clubs use October to introduce children to collecting, reflecting the founding aim of welcoming newcomers.
- Post office promotions – Branches highlight starter kits, albums, and accessories, making it easy for first-timers to begin.
Ways to Celebrate National Stamp Collecting Month
Whether you are a seasoned philatelist or simply curious, there are plenty of ways to take part:
- Start your first collection – Save stamps from letters and parcels you receive, and ask friends and family to set aside theirs. It costs nothing to begin.
- Choose a theme – Many collectors focus on a topic such as birds, sport, art, or famous scientists, which makes building a collection more rewarding.
- Invest in the right tools – A pair of stamp tongs protects delicate paper, while a magnifying glass reveals tiny printing marks and hidden details.
- Store your stamps properly – Use an album or stockbook to guard against moisture and bending, and never use tape or glue.
- Visit a stamp show or shop – Local dealers and philatelic societies are welcoming places to learn, trade, and meet fellow enthusiasts.
- Explore a postal museum – Institutions such as the Smithsonian National Postal Museum offer a window into the history and artistry behind the hobby.
If you enjoy marking milestones in postal history, you may also like National US Postage Stamp Day, which honours the introduction of the American postage stamp.
Facts and Figures
- More than five million people in the United States alone collect, preserve, and trade stamps.
- The study of stamps and postal history is called philately, and collectors are known as philatelists.
- The Penny Black, issued in Great Britain in 1840, was the world’s first adhesive postage stamp.
- The first National Stamp Collecting Month was held in October 1981 under the theme “Discover Stamp Collecting, the Hobby of a Lifetime.”
- In 2014, the Postal Service marked the month with a Batman stamp issue, one of many themed releases over the years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Stamp Collecting Month?
National Stamp Collecting Month is a United States observance held every October that encourages people of all ages to discover philately, the collection and study of postage stamps. It was created in 1981 by the Postal Service and the Council of Philatelic Organizations.
When is National Stamp Collecting Month in 2026?
It runs for the whole of October 2026, from Thursday, 1 October to Saturday, 31 October.
Who started National Stamp Collecting Month?
The United States Postal Service launched it on 1 October 1981 in partnership with the Council of Philatelic Organizations, with Postmaster General William F. Bolger announcing the first celebration.
Spread the Word
Share National Stamp Collecting Month with your community using #StampCollectingMonth and #StampCollectingMonth2026. Whether you mark the occasion by starting a fresh album or visiting a local stamp show, every bit of awareness helps keep this lifelong tradition alive.
Related Awareness Days
- National US Postage Stamp Day – Celebrates the introduction of the American postage stamp and its place in postal history.
- World Post Day – Marks the founding of the Universal Postal Union and the role of postal services worldwide, falling within the same month.
- National Writing Day – Encourages people to put pen to paper, a natural companion to the heritage of letter writing and the mail.
Links
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