What:
First-Day-of-Issue unveiling ceremony for sheet of two Civil War Sesquicentennial commemorative stamps — Ft. Sumter and First Bull Run.

Who:
Officials representing the National Park Service, Postal Board of Governors and Greater South Carolina Postal District

When:
April 12, 2011, 12:30 p.m.

Where:
Ft. Sumter Visitor Education Center, Liberty Square, 340 Concord St. Charleston, SC 29401

Details:
The Charleston Post Office will have special Civil War Sesquicentennial/ Ft. Sumter commemorative items available on-site at the First Day of Issue Ceremony, including three First-Day of Issue postmarks, (attached) which are given free when applied to First-Class postage. The postmarks represent Sullivans Island, James Island and the City of Charleston, the three locations where bombardment of Ft. Sumter originated. For collectors who want the stamp and postmark, a commemorative cachet envelope (above) will also be available for $5. The envelope features a photo of the famed, original Ft. Sumter “storm” flag that is on display inside Ft. Sumter today.

All the postmarks and the commemorative envelope are available by mail for 30 days after the event. To purchase the envelope by mail, send a check or money order made out to “Postmaster” for $5 to: Ft. Sumter Envelope, Attn: Postmaster, 7075 Cross County Rd. Charleston, SC 29423-9998. Items bearing First-Class postage may be sent to “Ft. Sumter Postmarks” at the same address. Be sure to clearly designate which postmarks are requested.

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