LINKS

As a stamp collector, here are some links that I find informative, supportive and enjoyable:

American Philatelic Society is the largest collector group in the U.S. and has members in over 100 other countries as well. Every serious collector (and maybe not so serious, like me) should be a member because of the organization’s support for the hobby and individual collector, which includes: the American Philatelic Research Library, educational programs, The American Philatelist magazine, stamp sales (via mail, online or in person), expertizing, and on and on.

American Philatelic Research Library (mentioned above) has one of the world’s largest collections of philatelic literature, including more than 23,000 books and 5,700 journal titles. APS members have borrowing privileges, and non-members can borrow via interlibrary loan. Though many collectors cannot visit the APRL, the staff is always willing to help with whatever questions you have, so don’t hesitate to call or email and take advantage of their copying and scanning services. And if you can visit the library, you’ll be ‘blown away’ by how beautiful the facility is. Also, the APRL publishes a quarterly journal, the Philatelic Literature Review.

American Topical Association promotes topical stamp collecting and the educational and recreational aspects of this hobby by:
– encouraging the collection, research and study of topical stamps and their subjects
– providing for the exchange of ideas among members, worldwide
– developing and publishing books, checklists, and audio-visual
programs and other educational material
– holding or participating in philatelic exhibitions
– assisting members in acquiring and disposing of collection

Established in 1981, the International Society of Worldwide Stamp Collectors (ISWSC) offers services including a comprehensive Stamp Identifier, Swap Circuits, Catalog Value Exchange, Sales Circuit, Mail Bid Sales, Newsletter and more.

British Thematic Association is the UK’s national organization supporting ‘pictorial collecting’ i.e. collectors of thematics, open collecting and postcard collecting: all those aspects of stamp collecting which aim to tell a story through stamps, covers and related postal material, and postcards. It offers an annual program of meetings across the UK, plus a residential weekend every second year. Those who enjoy exhibiting can get detailed help and guidance from qualified judges, but the organization’s emphasis is on the simple joy of collecting.

Exploring Stamps — YouTube is a lively, intelligent, funny, and crisply paced stamp collecting channel. Highly recommended. If you want to laugh, check out the Icelandic Volcano Stamps and the Simpsons Stamps episodes.

Baltimore Philatelic Society is a fellowship of stamp collectors dedicated to promoting the hobby of philately through collecting, study, research, writing, and conservation. Weekly meetings at the Ellicott City clubhouse are open to all.

Philatelic Society of Lancaster County (PSLC) is an award-winning, non-profit community organization that promotes stamp collecting as a hobby for education and fun, from the teenager to adult, from the beginner to postal historian, serving members from Lancaster, Lebanon, Reading, York, Harrisburg, Hershey and beyond.