Past Exhibitions

Fakes and Forgeries
February 9, 1996 - October 20, 1996

This exhibition explored philatelic items that have been counterfeited, faked, or forged to defraud the Postal Service, to make money from unsuspecting collectors, to enhance the stamp's appearance and value, or simply to fill out an album page.

The Graceful Envelope: 1996
May 1, 1996 - October 6, 1996

These 40 uniquely designed, hand-crafted envelopes, submitted by professional calligraphers from around the world, illustrated different calligraphic methods and styles.

From Nashville with Love
November 7, 1995 - July 8, 1996

On view were rare stamps and covers reflecting the history and culture of the state of Tennessee. The artifacts are from the collection of Jeanette Cantrell Rudy of Nashville, Tennessee.

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Unwelcome
September 15, 1994 - April 10, 1996

This exhibition featured letters, documents, and photographs of Moritz Schoenberger, a Holocaust survivor who traveled aboard the S.S. St. Louis with Jewish refugees in 1939. The exhibit was part of a series of changing exhibits at the museum that illustrate how letters bind families together across time and distance.

Moving America's Growing Mail
July 30, 1993 - January 1, 1996

This exhibition explored the U.S. Postal Service's automotive fleet in the 20th century and includes a long-life vehicle and a mail jeep.

Philatelic Rarities
October 24, 1994 - October 20, 1995

On view was a selection of approximately 15 historic philatelic items, including stamp sketches by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, an 18th-century Bristol packet boat cover, a one-cent invert from the 1901 Pan American Exposition issue, and an array of two-cent commemoratives from the 1893 Columbian Exposition set. A special display commemorated the 125th anniversary of the issuance of the stamp set of 1869.

Best Wishes: Holiday Greetings from the White House
November 28, 1994 - April 23, 1995

This special holiday display featured Christmas cards from the first families beginning with the Eisenhower administration to 1995. More than 10 cards, photographs, and political memorabilia illustrated the varying tastes and styles of America's first families.

Gems of Hawaii: The Honolulu Advertiser Collection
July 29, 1994 - October 16, 1994

This exhibition of rare stamps traced the history of the Hawaiian Kingdom, its rulers, and the political change that swept the territory in the 19th century. The exhibition commemorated the first anniversary of the National Postal Museum.

The Madden Family Letters
July 29, 1994 - October 16, 1994

On view were letters that trace the history of an African American family from Virginia through five generations (1740-1992). Also on view were photographs and official documents.

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