HARTFORD, CT — Select Post Offices in Connecticut are offering a special pictorial postmark to commemorate the 250th anniversary of America and the U.S. Postal Service.

The postmark represents the rich history of our nation and Post Offices that were in operation since 1776, including six locations in Connecticut: Middletown, Stamford, New London, Hartford, New Haven and Fairfield. There are 62 Post Offices nationwide that were in operation in 1776.

The postmark features a graphic with text “1776” and will be available by mail beginning July 4. It will remain available for 90 days.

Customers who want a postmark by mail must affix stamps to an envelope or postcard of their choice, address the envelope or postcard to themselves or others, insert a card of postcard thickness in the envelope for sturdiness, and tuck in the flap. Address the request to:

FDOI – Declaration of Independence
USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64144-9900

With 62 different Post Offices offering the postmark, customers need to indicate which of the historic postmarks they want when submitting their request. The complete list of participating Post Offices (open today and in operation in 1776) is available on the USPS newsroom.

There is no charge for the postmarks. For more details, see the June 11 edition of the Postal Bulletin.

The Postal Service was founded in 1775 by the Second Continental Congress with Benjamin Franklin as the first Postmaster General. The Postal Service has connected communities, supported commerce, and helped bind the nation together since before the founding of the United States itself.

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