Virtual Stamp Club

New U.S. Postmaster General Named David Steiner, the former CEO of Waste Management and a member of the board of directors of Federal Express, a USPS competitor, will become the 76^th PMG in July. He succeeds Louis DeJoy, who resigned ahead of schedule in March.

The U.S. Postal Service is only telling us about some of its 2025 issues, with promises that "Additional stamps will be announced in the coming weeks and months." Some of those will celebrate the postal agency's 250th ("semiquincentennial") anniversary.

The headliners we know about are Allen Toussaint (Black Heritage) (right), Betty White (second in an annual "Betty" series?), a Keith Haring-design Love stamp, and two subjects beloved by children.
2025 Ben

U.S. 2025 Stamp Program

Last Updated May 7: Adds previously-unannounced stamp for former First Lady Barbara Bush, catalogue numbers for three March issues.

Put Another Nickel In: The USPS is seeking a rate hike in July. Chances are good the Postal Regulatory Commission will grant the request. (It usually does.)

Some Shipping Prices Going Up, Too: Priority Mail, Ground Advantage and Parcel Select, but not Priority Mail Express. Details here.

Canada's 2025 Stamp Program Canada Post says this year's program includes many social issues: Places of 2SLGBTQIA+ Pride, Truth & Reconciliation, Barrier-Breaking War Heroes, Slavery, and more. Plus there will be stamps honoring former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, a country-rock band (right), Graphic Novelists, and Indigenous Leaders. Other subjects include peonies, holidays and biodiversity. See the program schedule. (Last updated May 3 with first Scott catalogue numbers for 2025.)

VSC has learned in advance what the 2025 Hanukkah stamp will show!

Boston 2026 Now A Top-Level Show The U.S. international show was already sanctioned by the International Federation of Philately (FIP), but now it is classified as a "General World Exhibition.

Meanwhile, the show is seeking donations of stamps for a total of 3 million, to give away to visitors.

Hey! What About Philately? There's an article on "domestic doyenne" Martha Stewart's website about activities that are good, physically and mentally, for older Americans, including juggling, video games, quilting — but not stamp collecting! We are seriously miffed.

Report: USPS Aiding Immigration Crackdown Normally charged with ensuring the safety of the mail system and its personnel, the Postal Inspection Service reportedly is providing information and, as caught on video, even participating in raids.

Dutch Archeological Discovery As part of a continent-wide theme of National Archeological Discoveries, a new Dutch stamp showcases the Fibula of Dorestad, a brooch dating from the 8th or 9th century.

UK Marks End of World War II It's the 80^th anniversary of VE Day ("Victory In Europe") and Royal Mail is honouring 11 very special heroes, including entertainer Dame Vera Lynn (shown here). We have pictures, biographies and more.

Top Job Opening in Bellefonte Scott English says it's time to move on, so the American Philatelic Society and American Philatelic Research Library are looking for a new executive director.

Investing Or Collecting? How do you view your collection? Is your goal to make money or have fun? Columnist John Hotchner looks at the choices.

"Help! I just inherited this stamp collection!"
Just been given Aunt Matilda's old stamp collection and don't know what to do with it? We can help.

Want to Know What Other Collectors Think? The Virtual Stamp Club has its own comments section as well as a Facebook Group. Or visit the former home of The VSC (1996-2013), now called The Stamp Collecting Forum.

Quotable: "Behind every victory of a nation, there are countless unsung heroes whose courage and sacrifice shaped the future of the world."
— Royal Mail CEO Emma Gilthorpe

Last Updated May 11