National Postal Museum Lecture to Address the “Second Purpose” of Stamps

The Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum presents the fourth annual Maynard Sundman Lecture, featuring renowned philatelist Roger Brody on Saturday, Oct. 15 from 2 to 3 p.m. Brody will discuss the “second purpose” of America’s postage stamps—telling the story of great changes in American history and technology.

Brody’s ecture will highlight the value of stamps as tools for communication while sharing fascinating and little-known stories about changes in the development and use of America’s postage stamps since their introduction in 1847. The lecture also will include insights on important events in the history of U.S. stamp production and use. This program is free and open to the public. Reservations are not required.

Roger Brody is a nationally-known expert in philately. He is also a researcher and author who demonstrates his commitment to the hobby as board chairman of the United States Stamp Society and as a member of the board of trustees of the American Philatelic Research Library.

The Maynard Sundman Lecture series was established by David Sundman, president of Littleton Coin Company, and his brother Donald Sundman, president of Mystic Stamp Company, to honor their father Maynard Sundman. Scheduled on or around Maynard Sundman’s birthday, the lectures are designed to explore and interpret recent philatelic research. Maynard Sundman founded Littleton Coin Company, formerly Littleton Stamp & Coin; the family actively supports educational events that promote understanding and appreciation of philately, the collection and study of postage stamps, and numismatics, the study and collection of coins, medals and paper money.

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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