National Postal Museum Celebrates Women’s History Month with a Women’s Featured Collection

The Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum presents the new featured collection “Women on Stamps: Part I” on its Web site in honor of Women’s History Month. Since 1893, when the image of a woman first appeared on a U.S. postage stamp, the United States has honored women for their many achievements. More than 200 stamps represent women, from politicians and social activists to educators and artists to businesswomen and performers.

“Women on Stamps: Part I” is the first in a series of four featured collections to highlight the accomplishments of these women. The collection describes the influence and achievements of several prominent First Ladies, such as Martha Washington, Abigail Adams and Dolley Madison, as well as the valiant efforts of native women and colonists in the developing nation, including Pocahontas and Molly Pitcher. The fortitude of abolitionists and suffragists in the fight for equal rights is portrayed; their efforts eventually culminated in the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote.

The National Postal Museum is devoted to presenting the colorful and engaging history of the nation’s mail service and showcasing the largest and most comprehensive collection of stamps and philatelic material in the world. It is located at 2 Massachusetts Ave. N.E., in the Old City Post Office Building across from Union Station. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information visit the museum’s Web site at postalmuseum.si.edu.

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