APS hobby support goes beyond Stampshow
By Michael Baadke
In this issue of Linn's, you'll find numerous references to the American Philatelic Society and, in particular, to the upcoming APS Stampshow 2010 on Aug. 12-15.
That's the society's annual summer show and convention, which is traditionally the largest stamp show in the United States.
Stampshow is held in a different city each year. This year, collectors will make their way to Richmond, Va., to enjoy shopping for stamps and supplies, marveling at some of the world's top collections and exhibits on display, and learning more about the hobby they love.
What does it cost to get into the country's biggest stamp event?
It may be hard to believe, but there is no admission fee.
Register at the door, walk right in, enjoy all the show has to offer, and stay as long as you like. It's free.
You'll be able to browse through stamps and covers offered by 140 stamp dealers and postal administrations from around the world.
You can start small and pick up stamps for a dime and covers for a dollar, or you can track down that $10,000 rarity that you need for your collection.
Some remarkable stamp treasures will be on display, such as the U.S. 24¢ Jenny Invert, that well-known airmail error stamp from 1918 with the upside-down airplane.
And some pretty famous stamp experts will be speaking at the show, including Linn's contributors John Hotchner and Janet Klug, who respectively are past and current members of the U.S. Postal Service's Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee.
Along with stamp dealers and stamp experts, you'll also find booths staffed by members of many different stamp hobby organizations, including the APS. If you have an interest in a certain stamp collecting specialty, you may well find a group with members who share your interests.
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So what is this APS that sponsors this amazing stamp show?
The APS is the nation's largest organized stamp society. It was founded in 1886, and today has nearly 40,000 members in more than 100 countries.
Membership in the APS comes with many benefits, including stamp shopping choices, stamp expertizing services, educational opportunities, a mentoring service and much more.
The APS has dozens of affiliates and chapters that cater to specific collecting interests.
With an APS membership, access to the American Philatelic Research Library – the largest public philatelic library in the world – is at your disposal.
The APS also supports the stamp hobby in many ways, including several programs designed to encourage and support youngsters with an interest in stamps.
Your membership in the APS not only benefits you, it helps to strengthen the stamp hobby by supporting the work that APS staff and volunteers undertake year round.
Visit the APS online at www.stamps.org to learn more about the many benefits that come with your APS membership.
Information also is available by calling 814-933-3803; or by writing to APS, 100 Match Factory Place, Bellefonte, PA 16823.
And if you're anywhere near Richmond Aug. 12-15, drop in at the show, and talk to the friendly APS representatives on hand.
If you have an interest in stamps or postal history, consider becoming an APS member today.