Stamp enthusiasts, also known as philatelists, have created a robust universe of research material in a variety of areas of the hobby. If you’re trying to connect with other collectors, or you’d just like to learn more about one area of specialization, check out these top national organizations listed below.
American Philatelic Society
With members in more than 110 countries, the American Philatelic Society is the largest nonprofit organization for stamp collectors in the world. Founded in 1886, the APS serves collectors, educators, postal historians, and the general public by providing a wide variety of programs and services.
American Topical Association
The American Topical Association was founded in 1949 to bring together people who enjoy collecting postage stamps by topics. ATA has grown as topical collecting has become one of the most popular areas of philately. They offer a spectrum of services for newcomers, as well as experienced collectors.
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
Through the preservation and interpretation of postal and philatelic collections, the Smithsonian National Postal Museum educates, challenges, and inspires its audiences on the breadth of American experiences. Located in Washington, DC.
U.S. Philatelic Classics Society
The U.S. Philatelic Classics Society is a nonprofit association of people interested in the stamps and postal history of the United States issued through December 31, 1900. Their goal is to encourage philatelic research and the exchange of information among members and other philatelic organizations.
British North America Philatelic Society
The British North America Philatelic Society Ltd. (BNAPS) is an international organization (founded 1943) devoted to the collecting and study of the stamps, markings, and postal history of Canada and the pre-confederation colonies of British North America.
The American Revenue Association
The American Revenue Association (ARA) is a nonprofit corporation serving the needs and interests of all collectors of revenues, tax stamps, stamped paper, telegraph and railroad stamps, and general non-postal Back-of-the-Book material—U. S. and foreign, federal, state, provincial, local, municipal, and private.
American Air Mail Society
Founded in 1923, the AAMS is the second-oldest aerophilatelic society worldwide. The AAMS promotes aerophilately through its publications, member auctions, and annual meetings at major local and national stamp shows. It also holds a major airmail show every few years.
Linn’s Stamp News
Linn’s Stamp News is an American weekly magazine for stamp collectors. It is published by Amos Media Co., which also publishes the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, the Scott Specialized Catalogue of United States Stamps and Covers, and the Scott Classic Specialized Catalogue of Stamps and Covers 1840–1940.
Stamp Smarter
Created by a member of the Asheville Stamp Club, Stamp Smarter is dedicated to helping hobbyists acquire knowledge free of cost. In many ways the internet is actually the “next generation” postal system, representing the next step in the evolution of the ways humans communicate with each other.
ASC Member-Dealers
Would you like to find great stamps and support fellow ASC members in the process? Check out our member-dealer links below:
