Skip to main content
Smithsonian main website

Search

Donate

EnglishEnglish
EnglishEnglishArabicArabicChinese (Simplified)Chinese (Simplified)FilipinoFilipinoFrenchFrenchGermanGermanHebrewHebrewHindiHindiItalianItalianJapaneseJapaneseKoreanKoreanPortuguesePortugueseRussianRussianSpanishSpanishSwahiliSwahili
Smithsonian sunburst Smithsonian National Postal Museum
  • Visit
    Visit
    • Location and Directions
    • Calendar of Events
    • Public Programs
    • Tours and Itineraries
    • Museum Highlights
    • Virtual Tour
    • Museum Shop
    • Information Desk
    • Reviews
    • Accessibility
    • Alerts
    Plan a Visit

    TEMPORARILY CLOSED
    Open every day (except December 25)
    10:00 am to 5:30 pm

    Admission is always free!

    2 Massachusetts Ave., N.E.
    Washington, DC 20002

    street map of Postal museum

    Learn more
  • Exhibitions
    Exhibitions
    • Current Exhibitions
    • Upcoming Exhibitions
    • Virtual Exhibitions
    • Past Exhibitions
    The museum's Atrium
  • Learn & Explore
    Learn & Explore
    • For Researchers
    • For Educators
    • Topical Reference Pages
    • Research Articles
    • Stamp Collecting
    • Social Media
    • Activities
    Front windows showing stamp images at night
  • Collections
    Collections
    • Search the Collection
    • Collection History
    • Collection Plan
    • Collection Projects
    • Object Donations
    • Object Loans
    • Digital Asset Collections
    • Rights and Reproductions
    • Preservation
    • Object Spotlight
    People in front of log post office building
  • About
    About
    • Support the Museum
    • History of the Museum
    • Celebrating 175 Years of the Smithsonian Institution
    • FAQs
    • Host an Event
    • Museum Councils
    • Philatelic Achievement Awards
    • Volunteering
    • Internships
    • Employment
    • Contact Us
    • Smithsonian Affiliations
    • Press
    • Meet Our Staff
    • Site Map
    Historic Lobby
  • Blog
  • Home
  • Learn & Explore
  • Stamp Collecting
Click to view social media share links

Stamp Collecting

Stamp Collecting stamp
8c Stamp Collecting stamp, November 17, 1972

The Museum celebrates the beauty and lore of stamps. A stamp is much more than the physical evidence that postage has been paid. Stamps can be miniature works of art, treasured keepsakes, and rare collectibles.

stamp collecting stamp

Introduction to Stamp Collecting

Simple things to remember when collecting stamps.

Learn more about Introduction to Stamp Collecting
22c 1986 Presidents Minature Sheet single

Stamp Collecting Resources

Stamp collecting resources on the National Postal Museum's website.

Learn more about Stamp Collecting Resources
Famous Stamp Collectors gallery wall

Noteworthy Stamp Collectors

Learn why so many individuals have been avid stamp collectors.

Learn more about Noteworthy Stamp Collectors

Learn & Explore

  • For Researchers
    • Library
    • Forensic Laboratory
    • Maynard Sundman Lecture Series
    • Symposia and Lectures
    • Research Funding
    • Finding Guides
    • External Research Links
    • Appointments to Research Objects
    • The National Postal Museum Awards for Scholarship in Postal History
    • Contact the Blount Research Chair
  • For Educators
    • School Field Trips
    • Professional Development
    • Curriculum Guides
    • Classroom Resources
    • Education Partners
  • Topical Reference Pages
  • Research Articles
  • Stamp Collecting
    • Introduction
    • Tools of the Hobby
    • Resources
    • Collectors
  • Social Media
    • e-Newsletter
  • Activities
    • Just For Kids!
    • Hands-On Activities
    • Fun & Games
a grid of thirty early US stamps About Philately
Philatelic Hobby

Topics

Stamp Collecting

HomeSmithsonian National Postal Museum

Plan a Visit

TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Open every day (except December 25)
10:00 am to 5:30 pm

Admission is always free!

2 Massachusetts Ave., N.E.
Washington, DC 20002

street map of Postal museum

Learn more
  • Privacy
  • Terms of Use
  • Press
  • Site Map
  • e-News
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
  • Flickr

Have you signed up for ourĀ monthly e-newsletter?

Owney, the Railway Mail Service Mascot

Back to Top