Field trips. Who doesn't love them? An escape from the ordinary is almost always welcomed and school children everywhere love the opportunity to get out of their seats, hop on a bus, and explore!

The American Philatelic Center was the highlight of the week for a group of elementary students from the State College Friends School. 

Dr. Cathy Brachbill, APS Director of Education and Kathleen Edwards, APS Youth Coordinator initially attended the school as part of a StampsTeach program (read about their visit here). The teachers, administrators and students were so impressed by and enthusiastic about the program that they invited the APS back to offer an extended philatelic-based enrichment module. 

The 2nd-4th graders were introduced to Owney, the Postal Dog, then a history of mail transport (airmail, sled, and rail ... oh my!) followed by a more in-depth primer in philately which definitely attracted a few new enthusiasts to the hobby. 

The enrichment module culminated with an exciting field trip to the American Philatelic Society where the students visited the Headsville Post Office; looked for clues in the "Alphabetilately" exhibit; learned about mail-related jewelry and stamp cases from the Victorian era; investigated the research library; and finally wrote notes, affixed stamps, hand-cancelled, and sent special postcards to friends and family.

Been a while since you've taken a jaunt to the American Philatelic Society? Watch the video and get inspired to visit!