We thank NobleSpirit of Pittsfield, NH for their support
of our events and programs.
This Labor Day stamp was issued in Camden, New Jersey on September 3, 1956. Victor S. McCloskey, Jr. of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing designed the stamp, using as source material a photograph of a portion of the mural by Lumen M. Winter located in the AFL-CIO building in Washington, DC. Camden was selected to be the site of the first day ceremony since it was the home later in the life of to the “father” of Labor Day, Peter J. McGuire,

POST OFFICE TO CREATE
100,000 NEW JOBS.

The U.S. Postal Service is planning to hire 100,000 employees in 2021, looking to fill vacancies that have contributed to logjams in the mailing agency’s network and widespread delivery delays.
Since nearly the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, postal management has cited high rates of employee unavailability as a leading cause of mail delays, which were exacerbated by changes implemented by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy and other impacts of the coronavirus outbreak. Tens of thousands of USPS employees have tested positive for COVID-19 and many more have missed at least some time to quarantine after being exposed to the virus. DeJoy has frequently noted high turnover rates within the postal workforce and pledged to reverse the trend through better pay and retention incentives. 
The hiring campaign started in January of 2021 and will continue into January of 2022, 
For more information about the hiring, click jobs

THIS MONTH'S TRIVIA QUESTION
Last month's question asked "What political controversy in Puerto Rico did this stamp cause when it was issued in 1949?" The answer is that the hat worn by the farmer on the stamp was a symbol for one of the political parties in an upcoming election.
This month we ask, "What is the philatelic historical connection with this stamp airmail issued on August 1, 1963?" It was only issued in Dayton, Ohio but was made available to collectors.
Send your answer to trivia. You can also request the answer.
EXHIBIT ON WOMAN'S SUFFRAGE CONTINUES

The Museum's exhibit about the history of the 19th Amendment to the US Constitlution is still on display in the Museum's main gallery. Trace the history of the woman's suffrage movement from colonial times to the pressent by viewing stamps celebrating famous women and events related to the struggle for woman's suffrage. International stamps are also on display related to woman' getting the vote in other nations.
Interestingly, it was only fifty years ago that the Swiss political system finally became a democracy worthy of the name: on this day, Switzerland became one of the last countries to grant women the vote. The stamp celebrating this event is pictured here. It features Helvetia, the iconic figure of Swiss democracy, casting her vote at the ballot box. She has her spear, shield and wreath in her hair,
VIRTUAL TOUR: You can take a YouTube tour of the exhibit by clicking on suffrage.


DO YOU REMEMBER THE SINGING GROUP THE MARVELETTS?

In 1961, the female singing group The Marveletts became famous for their song "Please Mr. Postman," The song climbed to the top of the singles chart, reaching number one that December. making them the first Motown act to have a chart-topper on the Hot 100.
The cover of their albumn, however, at first did not show a picture of the group. Some music historians claim this was because the record company thought it would not sell in the South if the picture was included.

The group issued a second song about the postman but it was not as successful. Here are the words to "The Twistin Postman." Do a little twistin as you read the lyrics and sing along with this link: twistin. Not sure an email would generate the same gyration.

.Sitting by the window feeling sad and blue
All because I haven't heard from you
And then my momma said Look, look, here comes the postman
A-twistin down the avenue.
He's got a letter in his hand and I know it has to be for you.
He's got the mail sack a-twistin round his back
Cause he's a twistin postman.

A-hes a-twistin to the left, twistin to the right
Twistin all around and round
If he didn't bring a letter
To make me feel better
I was gonna put you down
I'm so glad he came in time
To ease this achin heart of mine
Cause he's a twistin postman

He's got the mail sack a-twistin round his back
Cause he's a twistin postman

A-hes a twistin to the left, twistin to the right
Twistin all around and round.
If he didn't bring a letter
To make me feel better
I was gonna put you down.
I'm so glad he came in time
To ease this achin heart of mine
Cause he's a twistin postman.

Look, look here comes the mailman
A-twistin down the avenue

(NOTE: Perhaps Chubby Checker who started the Twistin dance deserves a stamp. Pictured below are stamps celebrating Rock and Roll.)
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STAMPS COME ALIVE PROGRAMS START IN OCTOBER
Our popular "Stamps Come Alive" programs which feature guest speakers on subjects featured on stamps will begin in October.
Speakers will include clock expert Robert Frishman on October 23 at 1:00 who will show clocks on stamps and give an informal evaluation of old clocks people bring with them.
Sheryl Faye will do her recreation of Susan B. Anthony also on October 23 at 10:30 to celebrate the anniversary of the 19th amendment.

Eyes on Owls will be back again with two shows of live owls on October 24 at 1:00 and 3:00
Debbie Lamb of Mass. Audubon will bring some animals from Drumlin Farm on October 16 at 10:30. The next day Joy Marzolf at 1:00 will share some of her special fuzzy friends.
Animal Adventures of Bolton will bring some exotic animals including an alligator on October 30 at 10:30. They will return on November 11 (a school holiday) at 10:30 to talk about dinosaurs including showing actual fossil bones plus several live reptiles.
Also in November a portrait artist is scheduled to talk about his craft with the date and time TBA.
ALL PROGRAMS ARE DESIGNED FOR BOTH CHILDREN AND ADULTS
More specific information will be posted on the Museum website at museum.

LABOR DAY FREE OFFER OF FIRST DAY COVERS

If you would like to receive some free first day covers, just email your name and address to FDCs. Please also tell us what types of stamps or other philatelic material you collect.

POSTAL HISTORY ANNUAL
SYMPOSIUM SEPT. 9


The Museum will hold its ninth Postal History symposium/webinar with the theme War and Innovations: A Postal Perspective on September 9 from 8:00 to 10:00
Like last year, the program will be held virtually. The topics and speakers are: 
-Colonial Wars Leading to the American Revolution presented by Dr. Tim O’Connor,
-The Siege of Paris 1870-71 presented by Steven C. Walske and
-Medical Aspects of the Spanish American War given by Yamil H. Kouri, Jr.
The program is free but a registration is required. Reservations can be by sending an email the Museum at symposium.and the link will be sent to you.

The program is supported by NobleSpirit of Pittsfield, NH and The Collectors Club of New York.
INCREASED POSTAL RATES FOR PACKAGES

On August 29, the cost of a first class Forever stamp was raised to fifty-eight cents. Now The U.S. Postal Service is looking to temporarily raise its prices for a period of nearly three months later this year, seeking to boost revenue during the busy holiday season. 
USPS asked the Postal Regulatory Commission to approve a rate increase of between $0.25 and $5.00 per package, depending on the product and its weight. The mailing agency implemented similar price spikes during the 2020 holidays, with two key differences: First, USPS began the increased rate period more than two weeks later last year; and second, it did not previously impact retail mailers. This year, the higher prices would be in effect from Oct. 3 through Dec. 26 and would affect both individuals and commercial entities using the mail system. To read more about these increases click postal rates.

SEPTEMBER 17 - CONSTITUTION DAY FREE MONTHLY STAMP ALMANAC/CALENDAR
Constitution Day is observed every year on September 17 to commemorate the signing and adoption of the constitution of the United States of America by the Founding Fathers in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787.

Constitution Day is also known as Citizenship Day, which was the name of the holiday until 2004, as its purpose was to "recognize all who, by coming of age or by naturalization, have become citizens". Citizenship Day in turn was inspired by "I am an American Day", created in the 1940s to celebrate citizenship. The official name of the holiday is now "Constitution Day and Citizenship Day".

MONTHLY CALENDAR/ALMANAC Our free monthly stamp almanac/calendar is still available for anyone interested. It features stamps which celebrate specific events and people associated with each weekday of the month. To receive a monthly mailing, just email to calendar.
SCOUT PROGRAMS TO BEGIN

With the Museum's reopening, merit badge programs for Boy, Girl and Cub Scouts will be starting. If you are interested in having your scout and his or her troop participate, please email for more information to scouts.
LIVE PROGRAMS ON THE HISTORY OF THE POST OFFICE THROUGH STAMPS

Our one hour PowerPoint program entitled "Pushing the Envelope - A History of the US Post Office Through Stamps" is available for live presentations at libraries, senior centers, stamp clubs and other adult groups. Another program entitled "Medicine on Stamps" is also available for presentation.
The presentation can also be a hybrid program and include a zoom offering. For more details email to zoom.
YOUTH CLUB MEMBERSHIP OPEN 
Postal Code Riddle for the kids. "What state is the doctor state?"
Ans. Maryland MD
The Museum continues to offer a free, one year membership for children ages 6 to 16 in our Youth Club. Children receive a monthly packet of topical stamps, worksheets and philatelic information, a discount in the Museum store, a monthly stamp calendar plus free admission for themselves and the family. For more information email to Club.
Thanks go to Museum volunteers Jessica Leuscher and Erika Epstein for supervising this program
SPECIAL SENIOR MEMBERSHP RATE

The Museum now has a special rate for seniors age 65 and older for $25. donateSenior membership provides all the same benefits as a regular membership including free Museum entry, a members only newsletter, invitations to members only events, free access to the library and a ten percent discount in the Museum store.
To register or to renew, click here for the form on the Museum website: seniors
The Museum website also has a link to make financial donations.
Click here: donate
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