250 Years of Delivering Stamp
Issued to celebrate a major U.S. Postal Service® anniversary, 250 Years of Delivering is an illustrated pane of 20 interconnected stamps representing the ubiquitous presence of USPS® throughout the years and the vital role the postal system has played in American life since 1775. The artwork, created by artist Chris Ware, shows a bird’s-eye view of a bustling town. Each individual stamp is a frame of sequential art that tells the story of a mail carrier’s daily journey as she walks her route through four seasons. The artwork contains numerous icons representing the Postal Service™. Art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamps with Chris Ware.
The 250 Years of Delivering stamps will be available for purchase at local Post Offices, The Postal Store® at usps.com/shop, the USA Philatelic catalog or by calling 1–844-737-7826.
Putting a Stamp on the American Experience Booklet and Stamp Overview
This prestige booklet commemorates the 250th anniversary of our nation’s postal system and celebrates the enduring impact of stamps on our shared heritage. Highlighting the popular series and subjects that give the U.S. stamp program its remarkable range and depth, this 32-page prestige booklet, only the fourth ever issued by the Postal Service, includes two self-adhesive sheets of a new First-Class Forever® stamp available exclusively with the booklet. The stamp is a “reframed” modern interpretation of an 1875 reproduction of the 1847 Benjamin Franklin 5–cent stamp, one of the first official U.S. postage stamps. Art director Ethel Kessler designed the prestige booklet and the stamp.
The Putting a Stamp on the American Experience booklet will only be available for purchase on the Postal Store at usps.com/shop, the USA Philatelic catalog or by calling 1-844-737-7826.
Special Dedication Ceremonies
The 250 Years of Delivering stamps and the Putting a Stamp on the American Experience booklet will be unveiled and issued at the USPS headquarters on July 23, 2025. Sixty (60) Post Offices have been identified that were in operation on July 26, 1775. Postmasters of those offices are receiving separate details on how to host special unveilings.
Postmasters of all other offices may conduct special dedication ceremonies after July 23. Please note that other special dedication ceremonies cannot take place on the same day as a first-day-of-issue stamp dedication.
For all special dedication ceremony resources, go to:
n National Events homepage at blue.usps.gov/corpcomm/national-events/welcome.htm.
n Standard operating procedures field stamp ceremonies: blue.usps.gov/corpcomm/national-events/_pdf/sop-fdoi-stamp-ceremonies-july2018.pdf.
n Ordering stamp image enlargements: blue.usps.gov/corpcomm/national-events/ordering-images.htm.
Suggested Planning Timeline for First-Day-of-Sale and Special Dedication Events
Note: If you have any questions or need assistance with any of these items, please notify your Corporate Communications local contacts at blue.usps.gov/corpcomm/field-communications/welcome.htm.
[Post Office Name] Invites Community To Celebrate 250 Years of Service With New Stamps
WHAT: The [Post Office Name] will hold an unveiling ceremony for two new stamps, one of which comes as part of a 32-page prestige booklet, to commemorate the Postal Service’s 250 years of service to the nation.
The illustrated Forever stamps, 250 Years of Delivering, tell the story of a mail carrier making her daily rounds during a year in the life of the community she serves. The Putting a Stamp on the American Experience booklet highlights popular subjects that give the U.S. stamp program its remarkable range and depth. Exclusively available with this booklet are two sheets of a new Forever stamp featuring the first Postmaster General, Benjamin Franklin.
WHO: [Dedicating official Title, Name]
WHEN: [Day, Month XX, at Time]
WHERE: Name of Location
Street Address
City, State ZIP code:
(Special instructions, if needed)
BACKGROUND: 250 Years of Delivering stamps
Established in 1775, the postal system was so essential to winning American independence and creating a free nation that it is mentioned in the U.S. Constitution.
For 250 years, the U.S. Postal Service has continued to serve the same ideals, connecting individuals, communities, and businesses through an ongoing exchange of ideas, information, and goods. Although the United States only makes up 4 percent of the world’s population, the U.S. Postal Service handles 44 percent of mail across the entire globe.
In snow, rain, heat, and gloom of night, USPS reliably reaches the American where they live and work. Today, at nearly 169 million addresses nationwide, American communities near and far are connected by mail.
The 250 Years of Delivering stamps are a meticulously illustrated pane of 20 interconnected stamps that offers a bird’s-eye view of a bustling town. Each stamp is a frame of sequential art that tells the story of a mail carrier’s daily journey as she walks her route. Laid out in four rows of five stamps, the story progresses through the four seasons, from top-left to bottom-right.
Chris Ware created the stamp artwork and co-designed the pane with Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS.
Putting a Stamp on the American Experience prestige booklet
Highlighting the popular subjects and series that give the U.S. stamp program its remarkable range, Putting a Stamp on the American Experience provides an in-depth look at some of the Postal Service’s most popular stamps. The 32-page prestige booklet includes two self-adhesive sheets of a new Forever stamp available exclusively with this purchase. The stamps feature a reframed, modern interpretation of a 5-cent stamp depicting Benjamin Franklin, originally released in 1847. This booklet is only available through the Postal Store, by calling 844-737-7826, or by mail through USA Philatelic.
As one of the first two honorees on U.S. stamps, Franklin is a longtime icon of the stamp program, appearing on more than 100 releases in the 178-year history of American stamps. Appointed postmaster general of the Colonies by the Second Continental Congress in 1775, Franklin appreciated that the postal system could help unite the Colonies and the nation they became. As a printer, scientist and diplomat, he played a monumental role in shaping American culture, and his postal legacy of adaptability and innovation continues to inspire the modern-day Postal Service.
Ethel Kessler, an art director for USPS, designed the prestige booklet and the stamp.
Sample Letter to the Editor — Community invitation
[Insert Date]
[Insert Name]
[Insert Title]
[Insert Name of Publication]
[Insert Street Address]
[Insert City, State, ZIP+4]
Dear Editor,
As Postmaster of [Insert Post Office Name], I would like to express my gratitude to the community for your unwavering support, trust, and allowing us to serve you each and every day. The United States Postal Service this year is celebrating 250 years of connecting neighbors, supporting businesses, and strengthening communities.
To mark this historic milestone, we invite the community to join us for the unveiling of two stamps. More than just postage, these commemorative stamps tell the story of our history. The artwork of the 250 Years of Delivering stamps illustrates a community’s year and exemplifies the faithful presence of the U.S. Postal Service in American life. And, a reframed 1875 Benjamin Franklin stamp is part of a 32-page booklet titled, Putting a Stamp on the American Experience. The booklet pays tribute to long-running stamps series, highlights printing innovations and recognizes the importance of stamps and the causes they bring to light.
The ceremony will take place on [Day of the week, Month, Day at Time], at the [Post Office Name].
We hope this unveiling brings neighbors, families, civic leaders and postal employees together to celebrate a quarter-millennium of dedication, connection, and progress.
It is truly an honor to be part of this community, and we look forward to celebrating this significant moment with you.
Sincerely,
[Insert Postmaster’s Name]
Postmaster
U.S. Postal Service
[Insert City, State, ZIP+4]
Sample Letter to the Editor — Thank you
[Insert Date]
[Insert Name]
[Insert Title]
[Insert Name of Publication]
[Insert Street Address]
[Insert City, State, ZIP+4]
Dear Editor,
On behalf of the [Insert Post Office Name], we would like to thank the citizens of [Insert City Name] for their enthusiasm and support in making yesterday’s release of the 250 Years of Delivering stamps and Putting a Stamp on the American Experience prestige stamp booklet a successful event for our community and the U.S. Postal Service (USPS).
Writing and sending greetings is a tradition that has pre\u00ACserved our nation’s history and changed lives. Unlike other communications, written correspon\u00ACdence is timeless, personal and immediately tangible. An event like this is a reminder that USPS is not just a delivery service; it is an integral part of every community.
Whether by providing universal mail service throughout our great nation, or through our responsibilities as a community leader, the Postal Service will continue to work hard to deliver quality communications services across the country and right here in [Insert City Name].
Sincerely,
[Insert Postmaster’s Name]
Postmaster
U.S. Postal Service
[Insert City, State, ZIP+4]
Stock Script for Dedicating Official
Special Dedication Ceremony
250 Years of Delivering — 2025
#USPS250
Good morning/afternoon/evening everyone! Thank you for that kind introduction. (Or if not introduced, use the following self-intro).
Good morning/afternoon/evening, everyone! I’m (NAME and TITLE) and I’m happy to be here on behalf of the United States Postal Service, as we present the 250 Years of Delivering stamps and the Putting a Stamp on the American Experience prestige booklet.
I’d first like to thank all of our speakers, honored guests, customers, and community leaders for joining us today. (Recognize VIPs by name, as appropriate.)
[PAUSE]
America’s founders established our postal system in 1775 because they knew it would be essential to winning independence and creating a free nation.
Two hundred fifty (250) years later, the Postal Service still serve the same ideals of connecting individuals, communities, and businesses through an ongoing exchange of ideas, information, and goods.
Those connections to community, friends, and families are made possible by our employees, mail carriers, mail handlers, retail associates, postmasters, and others in a range of roles nationwide.
Together, these 640,000 dedicated men and women work toward a shared mission; to provide the nation with reliable, affordable, universal mail service. Whether it’s the carrier delivering your mail, the mechanic keeping their vehicle running, the retail associate at your local Post Office, or the mail handlers making sure every envelope or package gets sent to the right destination, they’re working together to serve our country.
The 250 Years of Delivering stamps are a testament to that dedication.
Together, they tell the story of a mail carrier’s daily journey as she walks her route. The 20 frames depict the ubiquitous presence a carrier has in every community, every day, in every kind of weather.
Like all Postal Service employees, mail carriers are uniquely familiar with the customers they serve. They provide consistency and normality to communities; they are your friends, neighbors, and sometimes heroes in emergency situations.
Artwork for the 250 Years of Delivering stamps was created by Chris Ware and co-designed with art director Antonio Alcalá (“Al-Ca-La”).
In addition to this beautiful pane showcasing 250 years of delivery, we are also presenting a 32-page prestige booklet entitled Putting a Stamp on the American Experience. This booklet celebrates the cultural importance and enduring influence stamps have on our shared heritage.
A reproduction of one of the first official U.S. postage stamps is included in the booklet. The stamp is based on an 1847 5-cent stamp featuring the first Postmaster General, Benjamin Franklin.
The 250 Years of Delivering stamps are available at local Post Offices or online at The Postal Store. The prestige booklet is available for purchase online, or through the USA Philatelic catalog.
And now, on behalf of the United States Postal Service, I would like to invite our guests to join me in presenting the 250 Years of Delivering stamps and prestige booklet.
[PARTICIPANTS UNVEIL STAMP]
[PHOTO OP]
250 Years of Delivering Hidden Object Game
Postal delivery is such a ubiquitous part of our national life that it can sometimes go almost unnoticed. These unique stamps celebrate our connection by mail, a bond Americans have shared since 1775. The artwork tells the story of a U.S. Postal Service carrier making her daily rounds and a year in the life of the community she serves. Many USPS-related items are included, listed below in bold type. Have fun exploring and finding them all!
The Post Office is often at the heart of the community, and the U.S. has more than 31,000 locations.
A green drop (or relay) box securely stores mail for a carrier.
Curbside collection boxes, now painted dark blue, multiplied as suburbs boomed in the 1950s (find two).
A post rider on horseback was the symbol of the Post Office Department, predecessor of USPS.
Boxy and durable, Long-Life Vehicles (LLV) rolled out in 1987 (find two).
Next Generation Delivery Vehicles (NGDV), energy-efficient and spacious, debuted in 2024 (find two).
A stamp collector may be an experienced expert, or a rookie just beginning to enjoy these tiny designs that express big ideas.
Signing a carrier’s Mobile Delivery Device lets the sender know that delivery is complete (find two).
USPS® packaging is available in a variety of convenient sizes.
Apartment dwellers often receive mail in a cluster mailbox.
Before the post-mounted residential mailbox was standardized, people improvised, hanging up buckets, soap boxes, syrup cans, whatever!
A toy mail truck is among the fun merchandise found at usps.com/store.
Writing a letter is a thoughtful mode of expression…
…and the joy of reading a greeting never grows old; opening the mailbox to find your note or card can make a friend’s day.
First-Day-of-Issue Postmark
Customers have 120 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office or on The Postal Store website at usps.com/shop. They must affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:
FDOI — 250 Years of Delivering Stamps
USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64144-9900
FDOI — Putting a Stamp on the
American Experience
USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64144-9900
After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by November 23, 2025.
Philatelic Products
In addition to stamps, there are three products that Post Offices can order by contacting SFS and using PS Form 17 at blue.usps.gov/formmgmt/forms/ps17.pdf.
The minimum order for each is 5 sets.
While the Prestige booklet with Ben Franklin stamp is only available for purchase at store.usps.com/store/home, the USA Philatelic Catalog or by calling 1-844-737-7826, those Post Office holding a 250th Special Dedication can order a minimal quantity of the Prestige booklets with the Benjamin Franklin Stamp using PS Form 17 at blue.usps.gov/formmgmt/forms/ps17.pdf.
Pictorial Postmark
Only the following pictorial postmark is permitted for 250 Years of Delivering stamps. The word “Station” or the abbreviation “STA” is required somewhere in the design because it will be a temporary station. Use of any image other than the following special pictorial image is prohibited.
The Postal Service must make all special postmarks known to collectors through advance publicity in the Postal Bulletin. Therefore, all special dedication cancellations must be reported to Stamp Services four weeks before the event using PS Form 413, Pictorial Postmark Announcement/Report. For a fillable PDF version of the form, go to blue.usps.gov/formmgmt/forms/ps413.pdf.
To learn more information about pictorial postmarks, read Handbook PO-230 (see about.usps.com/handbooks/po230.pdf.)
For more information about Postmaster Publicity Kit, go to the Postal Communicator‘s Toolbox at blue.usps.gov/corpcomm/toolbox.
Public Relations,
Corporate Communications, 7-10-25
