At the time of my writing, the American Philatelic Society is neck deep in Summer Seminar and the building is full of students and instructors attending courses in person for the first time since 2019. This is an exciting moment for us — this is the final event that had been on hold during the pandemic that we can now bring back to life. It also represents an important question, one that's also being asked by many shows and clubs around the country: are in-person only events still viable? Is digital-only the future, or hybrid? I hope you'll share your thoughts, as these are questions that we are still debating every day among staff members and on the APS Board. 

In this issue

The highlight of every annual show issue is of course the Great American Stamp Show. Here are the facts — this is going to be one of our most successful shows in years. We have dealers and societies on hold on our waiting list. There are going to be eight first day ceremonies, two of which are for new U.S. issues. The energy is high and it is infections. I can't wait to see you Cleveland at the show — and for those who are still on the fence, let our show section, page 602, convince you. 

We also have some special show highlights to share with you. We're proud to host an extensive exhibit from the Royal Philatelic Society London, which is described by RPSL president Peter Cockburn on page 610. The show will also play host to stamp engraver Martin Mörck, who is celebrating a special career highlight at the show. Armağan Özdinç shares more information on page 612. 

What's better to complement the best show of the year than taking a tour of the great fairs? The World's Fairs and Expositions are famous for showcasing technological feats and cultural achievements — but more importantly for collectors, they are treasure troves of stamps, ephemera and other collectibles. We start with the Chicago World's Fair of 1933, as described by APS President Cheryl Ganz; then an article by Alex Gill on the great Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition of 1909. 

Finally, we have our regular columnists: Ron Lesher with "The Collector of Revenue," Charles Epting with the new column "The Letter Opener" and Matt Liebson with the even-newer column "The Marketplace." Our regular columns are intended to respond to your collecting needs and burning questions. Our authors are happy for feedback, to hear your specific questions, and to address larger topics of concern. So if you have a question on revenues, U.S. postal history, or the world of buying and selling, please reach out at editor@stamps.org. 

Awards season

"I'd like to thank the Academy..." The annual APS and APRL awards season isn't nearly so televised, but as always we're thrilled to recognize and celebrate the best and brightest of the hobby. Meet the Luff, Kehr, Carter Volunteer, Barbara Mueller, John Walter Scott Dealer, Hall of Fame, Allen, and Peterson award winners on page 638. They'll also be honored in person at the Great American Stamp Show.

Final Thoughts

In 2019, the American Philatelic Society received 11 million stamps, 18 stamp collage artworks, and various ephemera from the students at Foxborough Regional Charter School. These kindergarten through 12th grade students collected these stamps over the course of a decade as part of the massively ambitions Holocaust Stamps Project, which commemorated the victims of the Nazi regime with a stamp for each victim. After the project's completion, the American Philatelic Society took on the task of displaying them, and developed the exhibit "A Philatelic Memorial of the Holocaust." You've certainly read about this exhibit before, in the April 2020 issue, or the June 2022 issue, or perhaps on our website as we've shared news of our progress. 

Charlotte Sheer (center), Holocaust Stamps Project Founder, cuts the ribbon to open the exhibit. Also pictured, from left: Centre County Commissioner Amber Concepcion, Pennsylvania State Rep. Paul Takac, Rabbi David Ostrich, Centre County commissioners Mark Higgins and Steven Dershem. 

I am so excited to share that we officially dedicated the exhibit in a ceremony on May 31 with the support of Holocaust Stamps Project founder Charlotte Sheer; Penn State's Holocaust, Genocide and Human Rights Education Initiative; Penn State Hillel, a Jewish student organization; the Centre County Commissioners; the Bellefonte Borough Council and Chamber of Commerce; the State College and Bellefonte mayors; and state Representative Paul Takac. We were also honored to receive proclamations honoring the exhibit from state Representative Kerry Benninghoff, state Senator Cris Dush, the Centre County Commissioners, and Bellefonte Mayor Johnson. 

On a personal note, officially dedicating the exhibit was very meaningful to me. It represents nearly five years of hard work, dedicated research, and swear by APS staff and volunteers. Not only that, but the exhibit is our small shout into the universe, a repudiation of hatred and oppression in the world as represented by the Holocaust. 

Please keep your feedback coming and share your views. Remember: if you wish to see an always-improving American Philatelist, you – our readers and APS members – must become a part of this exciting journey. Reach out with your questions, concerns, and suggestions. Write a letter to the editor (LetterToTheEditor@stamps.org). More importantly, volunteer to participate. This is your American Philatelist. My email is smills@stamps.org. Letters by regular mail are always welcome and will be responded to in kind. 

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