United Postal Stationery Society

The United Postal Stationery Society (UPSS) is a nonprofit organization in the United States primarily focused on the collection, research, and promotion of postal stationery worldwide. Designated as a 501(c)(3) organization, it supports educational and scientific activities related to philately, particularly in the realm of postal stationery.

Formation and History

The UPSS was formed on July 1, 1945, through the merger of two earlier organizations: the Postal Card Society of America, established in 1891, and the International Postal Stationery Society, founded in 1939. This consolidation aimed to unify efforts in the study and appreciation of postal stationery, including stamped envelopes, postal cards, and wrappers.

Membership and Activities

As the largest society dedicated to postal stationery, the UPSS has a membership base of about 1,000 enthusiasts. Members engage in various activities, including collecting, exhibiting, and researching postal stationery from around the globe. The society supports these endeavors through regular publications, auctions, and circuit sales.

Publications

The UPSS has been actively involved in producing handbooks, catalogs, and manuscripts since 1955. One of its prominent publications is the Postal Stationery journal, which has been in circulation since 1949. This journal features articles on new issues of U.S. and international postal stationery, as well as discussions on rare and unusual items. Notable publications include:

• United States Postal Card Catalog (2010)
• Postal Stationery of the Canal Zone (2009)
• The Postal Stationery of the Possessions and Administrative Areas of the United States of America (2009)
• Postal Cards of Spanish Colonial Cuba, Philippines and Puerto Rico (2010)
• U.S. Domestic Postal Card Regulations 1874 to 1885 (2010)
• U.S. 19th Century Stamped Envelopes and Wrappers (2012)
• Catalog of the 20th and 21st Century Stamped Envelopes and Wrappers of the United States (2011)

Awards and Recognition

The UPSS presents awards to members for outstanding contributions to the field, particularly in publishing literature related to postal stationery. These recognitions highlight the society's commitment to fostering excellence in philatelic research and writing.

Online Resources

Members of the UPSS have access to an extensive digital library, including over 70 years of the society's journals and a comprehensive hi-resolution scan of every die used in the manufacture of U.S. stamped envelopes. This access supports ongoing research and education among its members.

Tax Status and EIN

The United Postal Stationery Society is designated as a 501(c)(3) organization with an Employer Identification Number (EIN) of 23-7085657. This status reflects its mission to provide educational, scientific, and literary benefits to the public through the study and appreciation of postal stationery.