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

Exhibition

On December 6, 1947, President Harry Truman dedicated the Everglades National Park in the state of Florida, protecting more than 2,000 square miles of wetlands and wildlife. In celebration of this event, the National Postal Museum has created this mini-exhibit showcasing the history and wildlife of one of America’s most unique treasures.

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Eugenie Clark stamp featuring a shark and Eugenie Clark wearing a snorkle
Dive into the story of scientist Eugenie Clark with the National Postal Museum and the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center.
44-cent Northern Kelp Crab stamp
Discover how the topics of fiddler crabs, tropical biodiversity, and the Panama Canal are all connected with this fully bilingual video (English/Spanish).
Giant Panda stamp featuring an illustration of a panda chewing on a branch
Celebrate fifty years of giant pandas at the Smithsonian! Educators from the National Postal Museum and the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute highlight giant panda facts and history with photos, a children’s book, and postage stamps.
37-cent Pacific Coral Reef pane of ten stamps
Just for Kids! Dive into an underwater exploration with special guest Carol Kaufmann, author of the book Ocean.
Stamp featuring a portrait of Rachel Carson
Explore the life of celebrated environmentalist Rachel Carson with the National Postal Museum and Smithsonian Gardens.
25 cent Tyrannosaurus Rex stamp featuring two Tyrannosaurus Rexes, one close up and one distant, in front of a cloudy sunset
Dig into some fascinating facts about Tyrannosaurus rex with the National Postal Museum and the National Museum of Natural History.
June 9, 2016 - March 3, 2019
Exhibition

Did you know that a village at the bottom of the Grand Canyon eats most of its mail? Or that America’s newest national park was once so secret it used an undercover address? "Trailblazing: 100 Years of Our National Parks", a two-year temporary exhibition, chronicles these and numerous other intersections between mail and our national parks. Featuring original postage stamp art from the United States Postal Service and artifacts loaned by the National Park Service, the exhibition explores the myriad – and sometimes surprising – ways that mail moves to, through and from our national parks.

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Related Content

Celebrating Earth Week

Earth Week is the week that leads up to Earth Day. 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.