The American First Day Cover Society brings Americover 2014, its annual show and convention, to New Jersey this year, a region that was important to the history of both the AFDCS as well as first day cover collecting.ArtCraft Cachets have been produced in New Jersey since 1939. The founders of ArtCraft were strong supporters of the AFDCS from its inception, and most of the society’s early leaders came from New Jersey.
The show is being held August 15-17, 2014, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Somerset Hotel & Conference Center, 200 Atrium Driver, Somerset, NJ 08873. Admission and parking are free. The bourse hours are Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., but at Americover shows, the events begin with breakfast and run well into the night.
Americover 2014's pictorial postmarks reflect the show's theme, and were designed byArtCraft, as was the show cover. The covers can be purchased at the show or from the AFDCS website
Among the highlights during the show are the largest collection at any one venue all year of first day cover dealers; the largest cachetmakers (new issue FDC producers) bourse of the year; a seminar with a representative from the U.S. Postal Service's Cancellation Services unit, which handles first day covers; a World Series of Philately national-level exhibition of rare and unusual first day covers; and the announcement of the winners of the annual AFDCS Cachet Contest, complete with visual displays.
There are three very different auctions at Americover 2014: A commercial auction of Earliest Documented Uses by Kupersmit Philatelic Auctions; an auction of FDCs donated to the AFDCS; and a “silent” auction in the hospitality suite.
The annual meetings of the American First Day Cover Society are being held during Americover 2014. Also meeting at the show are the American Ceremony Program Society (Chapter #58), the Cachet Makers Association (Chapter #65), the 7-1-71 Affair (Chapter #50), and the Art Cover Exchange (Chapter #79). ESPER (Ebony Society for Philatelic Experiences and Reflections, Chapter #91) and the American Association of Philatelic Exhibitors are also participating.
Nancy B. Clark of Massachusetts will head the exhibits jury, assisted by Robert Henak of Wisconsin, Douglas Clark of Massachusetts, Jeffrey Shapiro of Massachusetts, and Hal Vogel of New Jersey. The exhibit awards will be announced Saturday morning during the AFDCS Business Meeting.
As a WSP show, the winner of the Grand Award at Americover 2014 will be part of the Champion of Champions competition at StampShow 2015. Americover 2014 is being held the weekend before APS StampShow in Hartford, about three hours away.
The day before the show, many of those attending Americover 2014 will take a tour of The Washington Press/ArtCraft headquarters, then visit New York City landmarks, including The Collectors Club.
The Hospitality Suite will be open Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, and is sponsored by the Robert C. Graebner (Washington, D.C.) and Claude C. Ries (Southern California) Chapters.
More information on Americover 2014 is available on the AFDCS Web site, www.afdcs.org or by e-mail from showinfo@afdcs.org