Earth Day

Topical Reference Page
Earth Day stamp featuring two human hands holding the Earth in space

Earth Day stamp, 1999

Every year Earth Day is celebrated globally on April 22 to raise awareness of the planet's health and to promote environmental education. In observance of Earth Day, the museum created this compilation of stories, exhibitions, and collection objects related to nature and the environment that are available on the museum's website.

Image: 33-cent Earth Day stamp

July 1, 2004 - July 10, 2006
Exhibition

This exhibition explored the history of rare and collectible Federal Duck Stamps created as a result of this extraordinary conservation program.

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October 20, 2017 - July 14, 2019
Exhibition

Flowering Plants on Stamps
This exhibition highlighted the variety of flowering plants commemorated on US postage stamps during the past 50 years and explored artistic themes that emerged during this period.

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A Stamp that Changed History: How the Panama Canal was Almost the Nicaragua Canal

Never underestimate the power of a stamp! Postage stamps not only have the ability to document history, they can also change it. In fact, one such Nicaraguan stamp changed both American and world history by playing a role in the completion of the Panama Canal.

Stamps in Context: An Investigation into the 1987 North American Wildlife Issue

Just over 30 years ago, the United States Postal Service (USPS) unveiled The North American Wildlife Issue at the 1987 Canadian Association for Philatelic Exhibition (CAPEX). This 50 pane series features the work of renowned wildlife artist Chuck Ripper and with beautiful accuracy showcases the diverse wildlife populations in North America. It commemorates and highlights the animals that make our National Parks and backyards a stunning and lively landscape.

Lady Bird Johnson: Her Legacy and Her Stamps

Reflecting on her years in the White House, Claudia “Lady Bird” Johnson, the wife of President Lyndon Johnson, wrote in her diary: “…Using the White House as a podium---hopefully---to thank, to applaud, to advertise, to rally citizens to action in improving our environment, gives me joy.” This statement characterizes her style and political determination which she cultivated over decades alongside her husband while he served in the U.S. Congress, as Vice President, and as President.

Healthful Recreation in the National Parks

In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, nature and health-related wonders were important attractions in American vacationing.

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Related Content

Celebrating Earth Week

Earth Week is the week that leads up to Earth Day, April 17-22. Celebrate Earth Week with the Smithsonian, both in person and online. Explore events, exhibitions, resources, and podcasts that highlight Smithsonian efforts to advance sustainability and discovery in order to help people and nature thrive together.

Earth Day-Related Objects in Smithsonian Collections

Take a look at posters, buttons, stamps, and other environmental objects from Smithsonian Institution museum collections.