Collecting History: 125 Years of the National Philatelic Collection

The National Philatelic Collection is the collection of the National Postal Museum, but predates the museum by more than 100 years. The collection was established at the Smithsonian in 1886 with the donation of a sheet of 10-cent Confederate postage stamps by M.W. Robertson and through generous gifts from individuals, transfers from government agencies, and occasional purchases has grown to become the largest and oldest intact national stamp collection today. The museum celebrates the 125th anniversary of its collection with this exhibition that traces the history of this national treasure and reflects on what it can teach about world cultures and the American experience.

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