These past few weeks have been a challenge, like most of us have not seen in our lifetimes. As we work together to slow the spread of the COVID-19 global pandemic, we want to thank you for the outpouring of patience, understanding, and support you've shown us in these challenging times.
The health and safety of our staff and members are of critical importance, and we are taking every action to do our part.
Please remember to follow the guidance of local, state, and federal officials and do your part to slow the spread. Stamp collecting can be an excellent way to focus on something positive and challenge your mind while you’re at home. Finally, keep connected with your philatelic friends by phone or online and make sure they’re doing okay.
Below are a few important updates.
American Philatelic Center Operations
On Monday, March 30, 2020, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf extended his order to close all non-life sustaining businesses until at least April 30, 2020. On Saturday, March 28, 2020, he added Centre County, home of the American Philatelic Center, as part of his “Stay at Home” order. Our headquarters remain closed for another 30 days, further delaying services in Expertizing, Circuit Sales, Internet Sales, and the Library. Our staff is still operating remotely and can communicate by email or phone.
APS Cares
When we announced the closure of the American Philatelic Center, several members contacted us to check on us and offer their support. We received pledges and contributions to support the staff through this difficult time and asked that we share this effort with the membership.
One member wrote, saying, "Please keep the staff safe and tell them the APS cares!" With his words, we started APS Cares for donations directly supporting our great team. All funds will be used for staff retention during the shutdown and beyond. To contribute, please send payments to our headquarters, c/o APS Cares.
If you’d like to share a message with the staff, you can direct those to me at [email protected].
Show Delays and Cancellations
As events continue to change, we are updating our list of stamp shows that have been postponed or canceled in the coming months. Just yesterday, we learned that NAPEX had been canceled for 2020 due to a statewide ban on large group gatherings through June 10, 2020. For more information, please visit our website.
Stamp Chats
We have been hosting daily Stamp Chats with experts, members, and collectors coming together to discuss various topics. We have regularly scheduled events throughout the week and encourage you to join the chats and share this information with other collectors.
If you miss a chat, we will be posting them to the APS YouTube page for viewing later.
On Monday, March 30, 2020, APS Sales Director Wendy Masorti held an online session on how we are operating through the closure.
You can find the schedule of events here.
Under 30 Membership
Beginning April 1, 2020, the APS will begin accepting applications for a new Digital Only membership for collectors under 30. The annual cost to join is $25 and will provide digital access to The American Philatelist and all the other great services we provide.
Now is a great time to introduce a young collector to the APS and encourage them to grow in the hobby.
More information can be found on our website.
Please know that we are still working hard for our members every day. We will continue to update you weekly with information, news, and events.
Do not hesitate to contact me directly, and hopefully, we'll see you on a Stamp Chat soon. Thank you for all you do for the APS, APRL, and the stamp collecting community. Stay safe and healthy!
Sincerely,
Scott English, Executive Director, American Philatelic Society