The Links are divided into the following categories: Philatelic Search Engines, Archives, Educational Portals; Expertizing Services; Museums, Libraries and Academics; Biographical Information; General Information; Research Projects by Students and Organizations; and Societies, Stamp Shows and Clubs. Some links might not be where you expect, so please search. And if you have a philatelic or other useful link you would like to share, Contact Us!
Philatelic Search Engines, Archives, Educational Portals
- Arago People, Postage & the Post The Resource to the Study of Philately and Postal Operations as seen through the National Postal Museum’s Collection
- Inverted Jenny Reference site devoted to the Inverted Jenny, the world’s most famous stamp.
- LearnAboutStamps.org A How-to Resource for the Beginning Collector, Hundreds of stamp links
- Milonic Domain Name Lookup
- Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, Inc. Search the Siegel Auctions going back to 1930
- Stamp Smarter Library Articles on “How To”, Stamp Manufacturing, Collecting, and ID, as well as videos
- The Philatelic Database Carries teasers for a dozen or so fresh and fascinating stories from around the world, plus an inviting array of links to news feeds, thematic articles, discussion threads, a weekly opinion poll and an invitation to subscribe to a free weekly newsletter.
- The Thomas L. Gravell Watermark Archive A collection of photographic reproductions of over 7,000 watermarks in paper made between 1400 and 1835 available as a searchable online electronic database
Expertizing Services
- American Philatelic Expertizing Service APEX offers opinions on the genuineness of philatelic material at moderate cost and utilizes the services of more than 120 specialists and a variety of high-tech equipment to provide guaranteed opinions.
- BPA Expert Committee Expertising Service for Stamp and Philatelic Items, out of England
- Professional Stamp Experts Industry leader in rare stamp grading for both industry experts and home enthusiasts. Offers premiere stamp grading and authentication services, along with their unique Set Registry, Price Guide, and Population Reports.
- The Philatelic Foundation Chartered in 1945, over the decades has come to be recognized as the central source for expertise in philately. This confidence has been built through their certification service, reference collection, and publications.
Museums, Libraries and Academics
- American Memory A Gateway to Primary Source Materials Relating to the History & Culture of the U.S.
- American Philatelic Research Library Includes Online Catalogue
- Annuity Museum A non-profit organization dedicated to the collection and preservation of historic documents and artifacts relating to annuities.
- British Library Collection, Catalogues, Services, etc.
- British Library – Philatelic Rarities Rare and Special Items from the World’s Largest and Most Diverse Collections of Philatelic Material
- Global Philatelic Library As name implies, a catalog of philatelic libraries around the world, from the RPSL, the APRL, the NPM, etc.
- Library of Congress Gateway to Library Catalogs Z39.50
- Library of Congress Map Collections Americana & Cartographic Treasures – Searchable 1500-2002 A.D.
- Library of Congress Prints & Photographs Reading Room Prints, Drawings, Posters & Photographs Online Collection – 13.7 million+ images
- Library of Congress Thomas In the spirit of Thomas Jefferson, legislative information from the Library of Congress
- Library Science Education Resource Comprehensive listing of schools offering a Library Science degree as well as practical information on possible careers in the field.
- Library Science Master’s Degree Programs Online Works intricately with Education & IT with the goal of gathering, classifying, organizing, & providing access to resources & information.
- Making of America Cornell Univ. Library’s contribution to Making of America, a Digital Library of 1° sources in American Social History
- Munich Philatelic Library Specialized Collection of over 45,000 Monographs, Periodicals & Auction Catalogs
- National Postal Museum Maynard Sundman Lecture Series II One hour video (71MB) of David Beech (President, Royal Philatelic Society London) speaking on the legendary Grinnell Missionaries
- Smithsonian Institution Archive Collections Search Archives’ collections, which contain the official records of the Smithsonian, as well as personal papers, special collections, records of professional societies, and oral/video histories relating to the history of the Smithsonian.
- Smithsonian Institution Libraries The Libraries unites 20 libraries into one system supported by central collections support services. They maintain publication exchanges with more than 4,000 institutions worldwide that supply Smithsonian scientists and curators with current periodicals,
- Spellman Museum of Stamps & Postal History A center of learning and activities for people of all ages ,that shall preserve, enhance and expand its collections, library and facilities as a philatelic trust for the education and entertainment of the general public; to promote the hobby of stamp coll
- The Law Library of Congress U.S. Congressional Documents & Debates, 1774-1873
- The New York Public Library Branches, Research, Online Resources & Services
- The Railway Mail Service Library An archival collection of primary and secondary sources pertaining to en route distribution history
- U.T. Library Online Maps of the World Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection
- Western Philatelic Library Specialized Collection of over 8,000 Books & Monographs
Biographical Information
- Biographical Directory of the United States Congress 1774-Present
- Biography The Biography Channel – People, TV, Video, Photos, Bio Now, On This Day, etc.
- Federal Government Agencies, Databases, Departments, General, History, Law, Publications, etc.
- HistoryChannel.com The History Channel – Topics, Shows, This Day in History, Videos, Education, etc.
- Postmasters General of the United States 1775-current
- The Political Graveyard The Internet’s Most Comprehensive Source of U.S. Political Biography (or, The Web Site that Tells Where the Dead Politicians are Buried). Created and maintained by Lawrence Kestenbaum
- U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing Mission to develop and produce United States currency notes, trusted worldwide
General Information
- All About Philately Definition of Philately – Origins, Types, Tools, Notable Stamps, and Additional Resources.
- American Banknote Company & Its Predecessor Companies A Comprehensive Historical Website, by CoxRail.com
- American Philatelic Congress Searchable Index to Congress Books, by Leonard H. Hartmann
- Ashbrook Special Service Published 1951-57 by Stanley Ashbrook, it is one of the first publications that dealt with U.S. postal history in an analytical way. Compliments of Farjola.
- Ask the Expert An interview with Thomas Lera, Winton M. Blount Research Chair at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum
- Can Stock One of the world’s largest microstock photography agencies
- Differentiating Bank Note Issues by Paper by Andy Higgins
- Domestic Postal Rates 1789-1956 Published POD, 1956. Partially reprinted by Greg Sutherland, 1995
- Fakes & Forgeries A Collection of Fakes purchased on Ebay, by Richard Doporto
- Foto Search A provider of royalty free & rights managed stock photography, illustrations, maps, video, and audio.
- Home Hobbies: Stamp Collecting by HomeAdvisor A General summary of Resources and Organizations for the Stamp Collector
- Map Collections – Historical David Rumsey Collection with over 8,000, focusing on rare 18th and 19th century North & South America maps & other cartographic materials
- More Scanning Tips Special Reference to Creating Digital Images of Philatelic Materials, by Peter G. Aitken
- Old Roads.com Fantastic Resource of old “birds-eye-views” of U.S. cites, towns & provinces from the U.S. Library of Congress
- Philatelic Experts Worldwide list of 1820 individual stamp experts, past and present, with their areas of specialization, who have back stamped or hand signed postage stamps, or issued certificates. Some 700 scans are included for the deciphering of stamp expert marks.
- Philatelic Resource A general resource with useful links on history of philately, types, organizations, societies, etc.
- Postal Bulletins / PL&Rs USPS publication that explains details of services provided and how to implement policies.
- retroReveal Facilitates the collaborative discovery of hidden content in documents, manuscripts, music, and artifacts by providing documentation and web-based image processing algorithms.
- SCADS An International Association of Philatelists Whose Goals are to Combat Fraudulent & Shady Tactics by Sellers of Stamps
- Scanning Tips by Wayne Fulton. The purpose is to offer some scanning tips and to explain the basics for photos and documents. It is about the fundamentals of digital images, about the basics to help you get the most from your scanner.
- Special Handling U.S. Stamps, Service & Covers Comprehensive Site for All Things Scott Catalog “QE”, by Robert G. Rufe
- Stamp Collecting Resource The site is full of stamp collecting tools, information, and stories of this great hobby. Plus there are tons of pictures and videos.
- Stamp News Now an online philatelic resource connecting you to World-Wide Postal Administrations, Stamp Dealers, Stamp Shows and Auctions, a world of philatelic knowledge, and 3 great stamp magazines! John Dunn, Publisher – Stamp News Publishing
- Stamp Printers Information Details Stamp & Postal Stationery Printers, includes New Issue Reports, Articles, Catalogues, Handbooks, Company Literature & the Internet by Glenn H. Morgan, FRPSL
- State Postal History Registry of the NPM Find Answers to Questions about Philatelic Postal History Related to Your State.
- The Education Index at PhDs.org A premier source of updated, clear educational data about undergraduate and graduate programs in the U.S.
- The Great Britian Philatelic Society Contains links to various resources on the site and external sites that provide information of one kind or another on aspects of Great Britain philately, in the hope that they may be useful to those interested the subject.
- The Inflation Calculator Adjusts any Given Amount of Money for Inflation, According to the Consumer Price Index, from 1800 to 2001
- The Postal Gazette A periodical magazine of classical philately and postal history which is mailed internationally to major stamp collectors and stamp dealers worldwide
- The Postmarks of the Netherlands 1676-1915, by O.M. Vellinga The preeminent resource for Netherlands postmarks, converted to digital format by members of Netherlands Philatelists of California & American Society for Netherlands Philately.
- The Ships List Passenger lists, immigration reports, newspaper records, shipwreck information, ship pictures, ship descriptions, shipping-line fleet lists, etc.
- Travel Guide to Cartographic Resources A great resource of maps, cartography, design, map basics, mapmaking, etc.
- U. S. Stamps – A Pictorial Guide Covers Postage, Revenues, Officials, Locals, Ducks, Other B.O.B., etc.
- U.S. Taxpaid Revenue Stamps – An Introduction Overview of the Types, Usages with Digital Images
Research Projects by Students and Organizations
- Encyclopedia of Stamps at Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, Inc.
- Imprints: 1847 to 1868, U.S. Usages Excellent Single Frame Vermeil & Gold Award Exhibit, by Chip Gliedman
- North Carolina States Archives Postal History Project The collection, preservation, cataloging, publication and exhibition of North Carolina Postal History
- Post Office in Paradise Mail & Postage Stamps of 19th Century Hawaii
- Precancel Stamp Society (PSS) An excellent overview with links to Articles, History, Events, etc.
- Putting together the Colorado Territory Putting Together the Colorado Territory, by Richard C. Frajola
- Revenue Stamped Paper of United States The Two-Cent Civil War Design
- Taxpaids Introduction to United States Taxpaid Revenue Stamps
- The Rebel Post Very informative for Collecting Confederate Era Stamps
- The U.S. 3¢ 1851-57 Stamp Plating Initiative A community effort to create a long-term archive for Scott #10, 10A, 11, and 11A plating information
- What the R's Are An Overview of United States Scott-Listed Revenue Stamps
Societies, Stamp Shows and Clubs
- American Association of Philatelic Exhibitors (AAPE) The American Association of Philatelic Exhibitors exists to share and discuss ideas and techniques for improving standards of exhibit preparation, judging, and the management of exhibitions.
- American Philatelic Society Serves stamp collectors, educators, postal historians and the general public with programs and services.
- American Stamp Club of Great Britain The American Stamp Club of Great Britain caters for collectors of the stamps and postal history of the United States of America, and United States Possessions, also the Confedederate States of America during the American Civil War period.
- Civil War Philatelic Society Formed in 1935 for the more intensive study of Confederates, the exchange of relevant data, and the dissemination of acquired knowledge
- Colorado Postal History Society Formed in 1979 by a small group of collectors dedicated to sharing and preserving their knowledge in all areas of Colorado Postal History
- Empire State Postal History Society founded in 1967 when a group of collectors interested in the postal history of New York State met to exchange information each had gathered over a period of years
- ESPER Ebony Society of Philatelic Events and Reflections
- Georgia Postal History Society APS Affiliate No. 44 – began in 1984 and devoted to the study of all aspects of Georgia Postal History
- Graphics Philately Association Informal, non-profit organization of people who have a mutual interest in the history of graphic communications as represented on stamps and other philatelic materials.
- International Machine Cancel Society Founded in 1961 and dedicated to the study of Machine Postal Markings, the Machine Inventors, Patents, and Other Related History
- Lincoln (Nebraska) Stamp Club A group of forty-five or so individuals of all ages and interests who find the Club, with its meetings, conversations, and the other benefits of membership, an aid to enriching their hobby and their passion for philately.
- Michigan Postal History Society APS Chapter # 22015 – Founded in 1938 to aid in spreading philatelic knowledge, promoting fraternal feeling and personal contacts, providing a common basis for the advancement of philately among collectors in the state of Michigan
- Mobile Post Office Society APS Affiliate #64 – A non-profit organization founded in 1950 to study of U.S. Highway Post Offices as well as Railway Post Offices
- Mourning Stamps and Covers Club Promotes the association of mourning stamps & cover collectors in activities conducive to the common growth in knowledge & enjoyment of all aspects in this field of philately.
- New Jersey Postal History Society Established in 1972 to study and explore the many aspects of New Jersey postal history, produces an award winning quarterly journal, opens a door to other collectors with similar interests, & meets annually at NOJEX
- North Carolina Postal History Society Formed in 1982 to promote, study, and educate the public about North Carolina Postal History. In 1986 the Society was approved as Affiliate No. 155 of the APS and is a 501c3.
- Ohio Postal History Society Founded in Cleveland on March 6, 1976, the Society is a non-profit corporation dedicated to the study of the postal history — the post offices, postal routes, and postal markings — of the state of Ohio.
- Pennsylvania Postal History Society APS Affiliate #50 – A non-profit, educational membership organization founded in 1974 with its primary purpose as the cultivation and promotion of the study of the postal history of Pennsylvania
- Philatelic Society of Lancaster County The Philatelic Society of Lancaster County is an award-winning, non-profit community organization dedicated to promoting stamp collecting as a hobby for education and fun.
- Post Mark Collectors Club APS Affiliate – A non-profit organization founded in 1946 with a Museum that houses the world’s largest collection of postmarks and a research library with references in postal history
- Rhode Island Philatelic Society Est. 1885, the Oldest Philatelic Society in the U.S., dedicated to the Postal History of Rhode Island
- SE Federation of Stamps Clubs Furthering the hobby in the entire SE U.S.
- Stamp Shows U.S., Canada, & International
- United States Stamp Society (USSS) An association of collectors devoted to the study of postage and revenue stamped paper produced for use in the United States and U.S. administered areas.
- Vermont Philatelic Society An independent, non-profit organization founded in 1956 by 75 pioneering philatelists under the guidance of Dr. Donald B. Johnstone
- West Toronto Stamp Club A group of individuals bonded by a common interest in the hobby of stamp collecting or philately.
- Wisconsin Postal History Society APS Chapter #350 – A 501(c)(3) non-profit regional organization consisting of 27 local stamp collecting clubs within and bordering the state of Wisconsin founded on March 19, 1932
