This February, we’re grabbing our megaphone and turning the volume up to 11 to let the world know that stamp collecting is for everyone – and so is the APS! There are as many facets of collecting as there are collectors, and each philatelist brings something wonderful to the hobby. Whether you collect U.S. postal history, worldwide topicals, or anything in between, you are welcome here.
Not a member yet? APS membership grants access to services and programs for collectors at any step of their journey, regardless of collecting and research interests.
- Want to stay up to date with philatelic news and learn more about collecting? The American Philatelist is the oldest continuously published philatelic journal in the world, and APS members receive the magazine for free, delivered directly to their mailbox or online in digital form.
- Interested in researching a particular era of postal history or need to find a copy of a philatelic book long out of print? APS members have full access to the American Philatelic Research Library, the world’s largest philatelic research library.
- Purchased a stamp and want to be sure of its authenticity? Members receive discounts on expertizing with the American Philatelic Expertizing Service (APEX).
- Want to sell items from your collection but don’t have time to navigate the online marketplace? APS members can submit items for sale on APS StampStore on HipStamp and reach a wide network of motivated buyers.
Visit our Membership Benefits page to learn more about these and many other benefits of APS membership, or visit our Join Now page to start the application process!
Already a member but want to amplify our message? Here are a few ways you can help.
Spread the word about StampEd
StampEd is the APS’s newest publication, a free, digital magazine for the next generation of stamp collectors. StampEd will debut on February 15 and we’re so excited to share it with you. You can help us reach a larger audience by sharing the magazine far and wide once it debuts – and until then, don’t forget to follow StampEd on social media (find us @StampEdPub on Facebook, Instagram, X, and Tumblr), bookmark the StampEd website, sign up for the StampEd newsletter, and share the Support StampEd fundraiser that runs through the end of the month. Your donations will help to keep StampEd absolutely free for years to come, and when you pledge at certain tiers, you’ll receive special thank you gifts from us.
Encourage new collectors
New collectors need to be inspired and encouraged, and the best way to do that is by making personal connections with current philatelists – share your love of collecting however it manifests for you, whether that’s talking to friends about your collecting journey, starting a stamp collection with your grandkids, or gifting a topical stamp to a colleague with a special interest.
Know some new collectors who would benefit from an APS membership? Check out our Membership Matters page for some tips and tricks for recruitment and learn more about how you could earn $5 for every new member you refer to the APS.
Dive into new topics
Feeling stagnant in your collection? Why not branch out into a new area of philately? Join a new club or society, start a topical collection that reflects an interest of yours outside of philately, or research a totally new area of postal history. While this may seem like something that’s just for you, you never know where a new topic might lead you, or what connections you’ll make along the way.
Share your story
We want to know what “collecting is for everyone” means to you – and how you plan to (or have already) put that message to work in your own philatelic journey. Share your story with us by emailing digitalcontent@stamps.org or writing to us at:
The American Philatelic Society
100 Match Factory Place
Bellefonte, PA 16823