On-The-Road Courses

Courses are held at the APC and prior to WSP shows throughout the year. Topics vary, but have included identifying fakes and forgeries, how to become a dealer, stamp technology, and more. If you would like to request an On-The-Road Course for your event please fill out this form.

Summer Seminar

The Summer Seminar on Philately features four days of classes, workshops, general sessions, and camaraderie. It offers attendees the opportunity to learn more about the hobby from knowledgeable collectors - authors, judges, exhibitors, expertizers, etc.

Online Learning

Coming Soon! An online learning platform for all of your philatelic needs!

On-The-Road Course Listing

Competitive Thematic Exhibiting in North America

Learn how to prepare a thematic exhibit or how to improve your thematic exhibit for competition at the national level in North America.  The course is suitable for novice or advanced exhibitors and will enable judges to more effectively evaluate thematic exhibits.

At the conclusion of the course, students will be able to accomplish the following:

  • Know the differences between topical, thematic, and display type exhibits.
  • Know the differences between the guidance in the APS Manual of Judging and Exhibiting (MOJE7) and FIP rules.
  • Utilize current best practices and fashions in preparing exhibits.
  • Use the Big 4 criteria in preparing and evaluating thematic exhibits.
  • Prepare a better exhibit from Title and Plan pages to a logical conclusion.

Day of Course: Thu, 25 Apr 2019, 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.

Taught by: Phil Stager

Location: WESTPEX - The San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront, 1800 Old Bayshore Highway, Burlingame, CA 94010

Cost: $45 for members, $95 for non-members

Registration Deadline: 03/30/19 11:59 p.m.

Introduction to the Seaposts: Ship Letters, Packet Mail, Paquebots and More

Discover the Rich History of the Seaposts

Explore the many aspects of how mail was transported across the oceans. Examine the “four pillars” of postal history: rates, routes, means, and marks. Delve into the technological and postal innovations that enabled the explosive growth of European empires beginning with the Age of Exploration. Traverse through the rich history of the Seaposts while learning more about the ships that sailed, postal contracts, and the role of the Universal Postal Union. Topics will include:
• Early ship letters
• Packet Ship mail
• Naval maritime mail
• Sea Post Offices
• Paquebots
• Ocean Letters
• Catapult mail

Day of Course: Thu, 25 Jul 2019, 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.

Taught by: Gary Loew

Location: Americover - Renaissance St. Louis Airport 9801 Natural Bridge Rd St. Louis, Missouri 63134

Cost: $45 for members, $95 for non-members

Registration Deadline: 06/30/19 11:59 p.m.

Introduction to the Seaposts: Ship Letters, Packet Mail, Paquebots and More

Discover the Rich History of the Seaposts

Explore the many aspects of how mail was transported across the oceans. Examine the “four pillars” of postal history: rates, routes, means, and marks. Delve into the technological and postal innovations that enabled the explosive growth of European empires beginning with the Age of Exploration. Traverse through the rich history of the Seaposts while learning more about the ships that sailed, postal contracts, and the role of the Universal Postal Union. Topics will include:
• Early ship letters
• Packet Ship mail
• Naval maritime mail
• Sea Post Offices
• Paquebots
• Ocean Letters
• Catapult mail

Day of Course: Thu, 19 Sep 2019, 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.

Taught by: Gary Loew

Location: Milcopex - Crowne Plaza Milwaukee Airport, 6401 South 13th St. Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53221

Cost: $25 for members, $75 for non-members (a portion of this course is being subsidized by a private donation)

Registration Deadline: 08/18/19 11:59 p.m.

Engage with us


StampShow/NTSS 2019

Omaha, Nebraska | August 1-4, 2019