A New Philatelic Learning Experience: Summer Seminar Online

Summer Seminar of Philately has been a tradition of the American Philatelic Society for 40 years. A week of learning with distinguished instructors. A time to dig deep into specific studies, research in the library and socialize with fellow collectors who understand the quirks of the hobby. It was and is a time honored tradition and, for many, an annual stamp “vacation” in beautiful central Pennsylvania.

But circumstances changed in the spring of 2020 that have made it impossible to bring collectors together in central Pennsylvania for a week. 

The American Philatelic Society and Summer Seminar pivoted quickly in response to COVID-19 to continue this tradition for our loyal members. As a replacement for the canceled Summer Seminar, the APS introduced Summer Seminar Online.

Summer Seminar Online is a month-long series of workshops and seminars that members can enjoy from the safety of their own homes. From June 1 to June 30, these workshops will feature a variety of topics taught by presenters who are all philatelic experts and accomplished writers, exhibitors, dealers, and specialized collectors.

Topics include postal history, exhibiting, revenues, foreign stamps, U.S. stamps, fakes and forgeries, and more. APS staff members will also present workshops on how to use the Society’s resources, including the American Philatelic Research Library, and buying and selling stamps. Whether you are a beginner or advanced collector, all APS members can be sure to find a topic of interest. A full catalog and calendar of classes can be found at stamps.org/SummerSeminar.

Although classes will not be held face-to-face at this year's Summer Seminar, the online platform will offer participants opportunities to ask questions and discuss the material, not to mention the ability to attend a wide variety of classes.

Available to APS members only, registration is through our online learning platform, C3a. Workshops and courses can be added to a cart and purchased by credit card. Most workshops are only $10, while multi-session classes are priced as marked. Workshops presented by APS staff are free and available to non-members as well.

The workshops require minimal technology equipment and are hosted on GoToWebinar. Participants simply need an internet connection and a computer or device. The APS Education department will host GoToWebinar tutorials as part of the pre-Summer Seminar Online line-up to provide participants a chance to get their feet wet in the world of virtual events.

While not the face-to-face interaction that the traditional Summer Seminar usually offers, there will still be opportunities within the online experience to ask questions and discuss the courses with the instructors during or after each of the presentations. Additionally, all sessions will be recorded and available for on-demand viewing and purchase on the C3a learning platform.

Summer Seminar Online is an exciting new way to gather collectors and learn together during this time.

If you have questions about Summer Seminar Online, please email education@stamps.org.