The U.S. Postal Service will issue two Boston 2026 World Stamp Expo Commemorative Forever stamps on Aug. 14, 2025, at the Great American Stamp Show in Schaumburg, Illinois. The first-day-of-issue ceremony, free and open to the public, will take place at 11 a.m. CDT at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center. The stamps celebrate the upcoming Boston 2026 World Stamp Expo, set for May 23-30, 2026, and honor Boston’s role in the American Revolution as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.
William G. Fraine, senior vice president of national sales for the U.S. Postal Service, will dedicate the stamps. Attendees are encouraged to register at usps.com/worldstampshowstamps, and the event is being promoted with the hashtag #WorldStampShowStamps. Designed by USPS art director Greg Breeding with artwork by Dan Gretta, the Forever stamps will always match the First-Class Mail one-ounce rate.
The Boston 2026 World Stamp Expo, the 12th U.S. international philatelic exhibition, will transform the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center into the global hub of stamp collecting. Spanning 352,000 square feet, the expo will feature a bourse for collectors and dealers, competitive exhibitions, new stamp dedication ceremonies, and displays by international postal authorities. The event offers collectors opportunities to connect, learn, and expand their collections while providing newcomers with vibrant displays and educational experiences about global cultures.
Boston 2026 World Stamp Expo continues a U.S. tradition of hosting international philatelic exhibitions every decade since 1913. In 1926, the U.S. Post Office Department issued a souvenir sheet for the Battle of White Plains, marking the second exhibition. Since the 1970s, the U.S. has typically issued stamps to promote these events in advance, a practice also adopted by other nations to highlight the blend of art, history, and international goodwill at the Boston 2026 World Stamp Expo.
Stamp Collecting’s Cultural and Educational Impact
The Boston 2026 World Stamp Expo will host collectors’ club meetings, society gatherings, and expert-led sessions, fostering community and knowledge-sharing. For families, the expo’s visually stunning stamp displays offer a fun, accessible way to explore history and global cultures. The event’s scale and diversity make it a unique platform for both seasoned philatelists and curious visitors.
Historical Significance of U.S. Philatelic Exhibitions
The U.S. has a rich history of philatelic exhibitions, beginning with New York City in 1913. The Boston 2026 World Stamp Expo builds on this legacy, with stamps playing a key role in promotion. The 1926 souvenir sheet set a precedent, and today’s stamps continue to generate anticipation for the Boston 2026 World Stamp Expo, tying the event to national pride and historical milestones like the American Revolution’s 250th anniversary.
Event Details and Public Engagement
The Aug. 14 ceremony in Schaumburg marks the start of public engagement for the Boston 2026 World Stamp Expo. The free event invites collectors and the public to celebrate the stamps’ release. The expo itself, held over a week in 2026, will offer a family-friendly environment, encouraging new enthusiasts to discover stamp collecting’s joys.
Future of Stamp Collecting
The Boston 2026 World Stamp Expo underscores stamp collecting’s enduring appeal as a hobby that blends education, art, and history. By issuing these stamps, the U.S. Postal Service not only promotes the expo but also celebrates the cultural significance of philately, ensuring its relevance for future generations.