American Topical Association News

Now Accepting Nominations for the Distinguished Topical Philatelist

Martin Miller — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 15:28:03 GMT

The American Topical Association is accepting nominations for the Distinguished Topical Philatelist award. The ATA’s highest award is presented each year to a person who has made outstanding contributions to philately, especially topical philately. It will be presented at the awards banquet at the Great American Stamp Show in Cleveland, Ohio, on August 12, 2023.

Individuals, study units and chapters/stamp clubs may nominate a person who they think is qualified. The recipient is chosen by a committee made up of past recipients. Letters of nomination should be sent to the chair of the selection committee, Vera Felts at vera_1102@yahoo.com or mail to 211 Petal Lane, Sequim, WA 98382-3612. Deadline for nominations is December 31, 2022.

Jack André Denys

Martin Miller — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 19:47:20 GMT

Jack Denys, a Lutheran minister who often counseled grieving families, recommended that people should write their own obituaries, in order to help family members. Here is the one he wrote for himself.

By Jack André Denys

Jack André Denys, president of the American Topical Association (ATA) 2008-2016, and accomplished thematic exhibitor, died on June 26, 2022. He was 79.

Jack joined the ATA in 1976. During his eight-year tenure as ATA president, Jack oversaw the hiring of its outstanding staff – executive director Vera Felts and editor Wayne Youngblood - and led the association in visioning, fund-raising, innovations, communications, and its only net membership gain since the 70’s. He created the idea of the “Buck the Trend Fund” to which members have contributed more than $600,000 in 14 years. He promoted the inclusion of “Beyond the Catalog” items in ATA checklists and created the ATA motto “About The Adventure.” For the ATA’s Topical Time, he wrote a regular column Jack’s Journal for eight years, among many other pieces. He was a charter member of the 1949 Society, ATA members who have included the association in their wills. In 2014 Jack received the ATA’s Distinguished Topical Philatelist award, its highest honor. The letter nominating Jack called him “the most influential and positive voice for topical philately in the world today.” In 2020, Jack received the American Philatelic Society’s Nicholas G. Carter Volunteer Service Award. He was recognized for National Service with “thanks for the wide-reaching impact of his work.”

A member of the American Association of Philatelic Exhibitors (AAPE), Jack wrote for its journal The Philatelic Exhibitor, receiving the Randy L. Neil Award for the best article in 2011. In 2018 he co-edited the ATA handbook What’s First? and contributed to the ATA’s handbook Topical Adventures.

Jack was a thematicist (and loved that word!) who collected and exhibited various topics, including Albrecht Dürer, Andrew Wyeth, “Queen Victoria’s Filatelic Family Tree,” “GONE from NYC,” “Same Birthdates Same Deathdates,” “Colonial Williamsburg,” and “Famous People Who Stuttered.” The Bayeux Tapestry, his primary philatelic topic, depicts William the Conqueror’s invasion of England and victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. His exhibit earned 10 consecutive gold awards, which qualified him for the AAPE Diamond Award. The exhibit won the Reserve Grand (2007) and the Grand (2008) at the National Topical Stamp Show.

Mentored by the queen of thematic philately, Mary Ann Owens, Jack, in turn, mentored other topical collectors and exhibitors.

Co-founder of the Albrecht Dürer Study Unit of the ATA, Jack served as president and editor of its Dürer Journal for 20 years. He recently re-activated that organization, again serving as president and editor. He also belonged to the American Philatelic Society (APS) and the Westfield (NJ) Stamp Club.

A retired Lutheran pastor, Jack lived in Somerville, NJ, with his wife, Mary Anne. They have three adult sons, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Remembrances of Jack from others:

From Vera Felts, ATA executive director emerita

Jack André Denys served as ATA President for eight years--a record that more than doubles the time served by any of our other 18 past presidents. But, more than longevity, it is the quality of his leadership that will be remembered by members of ATA. Jack's background in organizational leadership and his experience as an outstanding pastor and church leader gave him the needed qualities to shepherd our organization into the digital age. His gentle but thorough assistance to me and to the ATA leadership team was always on skillful and on target. Jack's outstanding communication skills were appreciated by all. I believe there were many weeks that Jack, as the fully volunteer president, put in more hours for ATA than did I, the full-time employee. His devotion to our organization was complete, and today's ATA members are still benefiting from his outstanding leadership.

From Dale Smith, immediate past president

Jack Denys was a leader for ATA at the right place and time. He
served 4 terms as president, a total of 8 years of service. During his
presidency he led the board of directors in making two significant hires in our
organization: Vera Felts as executive director and Wayne Youngblood,
editor of Topical Time. Along with Jack these three improved our
organization dramatically. It was Jack's strong leadership through
those years that kept ATA financially strong, brought new energy to the board of
and made sure our organization thrived into the future.
We owe a debt of gratitude to Jack and his strong leadership. I will
always remember him fondly.

From Dawn Hamman, ATA president

When I joined ATA in 2012, I knew I wanted to collect topicals and make an exhibit. I badly needed a mentor, and Jack generously shared his knowledge and offered encouragement. We enjoyed passing projects back and forth, helping each other make improvements. He always had time for conversation or a stamp project. Jack was a gracious and caring person who could bring a bit of fun to any gathering. His hundreds of stamp buddies will miss him.

Online Ballot for the 2022 - 2024 Board Elections.

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 16:19:37 GMT

To access the ballot for the 2022 - 2024 Board Elections please click here.

New Editor for Topical Time

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 17:35:59 GMT

The American Topical Association has selected Martin Kent Miller to serve as the association’s Content Manager and Editor for Topical Time.

In January, veteran Editor Wayne Youngblood announced his retirement from Topical Time, after 12 years editing the journal. The announcement triggered a search for a new editor and a redefinition of the editor’s overall role. The Content Manager and Editor will serve as Topical Time editor, while also working to publish more digital content both through social media and the association’s web platforms.

Miller also edits The United States Specialist, the journal of the United States Stamp Society; First Days, the journal of the American First Day Cover Society; The Philatelic Exhibitor, the journal of the American Association of Philatelic Exhibitors; and The Pennsylvania Postal Historian, the journal of the Pennsylvania Postal History Society. He was former Chief Content Officer of the American Philatelic Society, which included editing its American Philatelist and Philatelic Literature Review.

Martin is an active topical collector with focused collections covering emus, heraldry, printing & graphic communication, penguins, and the art and life of Albrecht Dürer. He is married to Jennifer Miller, ATA Executive Director, and has supported ATA projects, including the new website, co-editing the ATA handbook Topical Adventures – A Guide to Topical and Thematic Stamp Collecting, and designing the new ATA logo.

“Martin brings a broad range of talents and is commited to the goals of ATA. For several years he has been an integral part of ATA, and we are delighted he will take on this expanded role,” said ATA president Dawn Hamman.

Video of Highlights from the Great American Stamp Show

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 23:42:17 GMT

Thanks to Igor Grigorian and Facebook we have been provided with a highlight video of GASS 2021.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

GASS/NTSS 2021 Palmares Available

Sat, 21 Aug 2021 00:18:43 GMT

The GASS/NTSS 2021 palmares is now available on our NTSS Award Winners page.

ATA Honored at the Collectors Club of New York

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 00:15:51 GMT

On June 9, the Collectors Club of New York honored ATA with a special evening at their Zoom session. Our fine presenters were Tom Broadhead, Eric Knapp, Jean Wang and David Wolfersberger. You can enjoy the video of the program on the CCNY website at www.collectorsclub.org.webinars@collectorsclub.org.

2021 Distinguished Topical Philatelist Named

Fri, 07 May 2021 01:18:25 GMT

Dale E. Smith, immediate past ATA president, has been selected to receive our association’s highest award, Distinguished Topical Philatelist. This award is presented each year to an individual who has provided outstanding service to philately, and especially topical philately.

ATA 2021 - 2023 On-line Ballot is now live.

Sun, 21 Mar 2021 18:11:54 GMT

To cast your ballot for the 2021 - 2023 ATA Board Election please click here.

PiPEX 2021

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 00:40:14 GMT

PIPEX 2021

May 7, 8, 9, 2021

The first APS Grand Championship Series virtual show

Website: www.pipexstampshow.org

Over 2500 exhibit pages

Virtual dealers attending

Registration is free but required to attend any events during the show

Then, under Show details:

Events will occur between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on May 7 and 8 and between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on May 9. All times listed are Pacific Time.

The website (www.pipexstampshow.org) will be up 24 hours a day with exhibits to view at your leisure. Many exhibits are already on the website for viewing.

Registration is free but is required to attend any events during the days of the show. This is needed so the event coordinator can email the contact information to enter the event site. This is an opportunity to visit and be part of a Grand Championship Series show without leaving home.

March Party is On

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 01:55:49 GMT

The 131st annual March Party of the Cleveland-based Garfield-Perry Stamp Club is going ahead as planned.

Club members are making plans for the Ohio's largest stamp show April 9-11, but with some changes from the traditionally popular event.

Show co-chairman Rocco Caponi said 34 dealers will be on hand for the bourse-only show. Because of the coronavirus pandemic no exhibits will be on display for showgoers to enjoy.

In line with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Ohio public health guidelines, all attendees will be required to wear a mask. And all people will have their temperature checked before entry. Anyone with a temperature above 101 Fahrenheit will not be admitted.

Each visitor also will be required to sign a waiver confirming that he or she does not have COVID-19 symptoms and agreeing that they will not hold the club or others liable should the virus be contracted at the show. In addition, each person will be asked for contact information that can be used to notify all attendees should a confirmed COVID-19 case occur.

Caponi said the requirements are designed to protect everyone who participates in the March Party. The event is at the Strongsville Holiday Inn, 15471 Royalton Rd., in suburban Strongsville, Ohio. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

Full details are online at www.garfieldperry.org.

STAMPEX International Registration is open

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 00:41:36 GMT

The Philatelic Traders’ Society are delighted to announce that we have opened registrations for the next Virtual Stampex.

To register just head to stampex.vfairs.com

Please note, we do not keep your details, so to attend the next show you will need to register again.

Reasons why too register? The show has got bigger and better. To enhance your in show experience, we are asking you to tell us your area of interest upon registration.

Officially sponsored by Spink, the March show is set to be even more exciting. The live show will run for 72 hours from 8am (London time) on 25th March with the on demand period finishing towards the end of April.

This show will include

NEW! The Collectors Lounge. Sponsored by Corinphila and Heinrich Kohler. This space will allow collectors to meet chat and connect. Arrange to meet friends, join a relaxed session on collecting from one of the experts and meet the teams who are showing in the booth hall.
The Spink Auditorium. Sponsored by Spink, the auditorium will be home to 10 talks. These will include talks from APS, NY Collectors Club, FIAP and The Royal Philatelic Society London.
NEW! The Gold Membership Hall. A new hall will include PTS Gold Members including the likes of Mark Bloxham, BB Stamps, Stanley Gibbons, Bill Barrell and more.
NEW! Exhibitors Hub. This area will be available for those exhibitors who want to see the exhibitions run by the ABPS and award winning collections presented by the Museum of Philately.
NEW! Social Chat including the likes of Punk Philatelist, The Digital Philatelist and Exploring Stamps. The Conversation with Philatelists will also be present.
NEW! Dealers have signed up including Grosvenor, W4 Stamps and Collectables, Samwells and Purves Philatelics, which can be seen next to the likes of Martin Townsend, Guernsey Post, Glasgow Stamp Shop, Catawiki, Cherrystone, Andrew G Lajer, David Feldman and more.
We also have a wonderful host of show partners including American Philatelic Society, The Royal Philatelic Society London and eBay. eBay will be on hand to help answer questions about buying safe and selling professionally online.
Lots to do for all the family as well, with StampIT and Stamp Active providing games and activities for youth philatelists.

The show will have a live chat function for the full 72 hours allowing you to connect with your favourite PTS Members, auction houses, philatelic societies, postal administrants, museums, experts and social influencers - all free of charge. We will also be including Stamps in the Attic, Smiler Booth and the chance to get some great deals from the booth holders.

Don’t forget you can forward to a friend, family and fellow philatelists so they can sign up too.

From The Philatelic Traders’ Society - The International Society for Philatelic Professionals

Also, sign up to Stampex Newsletter to stay in touch with the latest news, offers and stories.

www.stampexinternational.com

Special Black History Month program

Fri, 22 Jan 2021 23:48:34 GMT

Charlene Blair will be presenting Extraordinary, Ordinary Black Women on U.S. Postage Stamps on Tuesday, February 23 at 6:00 pm Eastern. Register here.

Great American Stamp Show Update

Fri, 22 Jan 2021 23:47:07 GMT

We are closely monitoring things in advance of making a decision in late March whether we can hold the show on-site in Chicago. Currently Illinois is in tier one (tightest) Covid restrictions. It must be tier three for our show to be held there. If we have to cancel, we will again be offering virtual meetings and programs.

Taste of Topicals Sale

Fri, 22 Jan 2021 23:43:28 GMT

Hurry! Taste of Topicals Sale! Buy 3 and get 1 free. Pick them up here.

Explore Ireland with the newest issue of Topical Tidbits

Fri, 22 Jan 2021 23:39:46 GMT

Explore Ireland with the newest issue of Topical Tidbits. Click here to start your adventure!

The 2021 Sarasota National Stamp Expo will be held virtually

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 22:18:57 GMT

Sarasota National Stamp Exhibition, Virtual Stamp Show, January 22-24, 2021. The show will feature webinars and exhibits. Register at www.sarasotastampclub.com.

British Thematic Association announces its first "One-Page Exhibition"

Sat, 14 Nov 2020 18:33:37 GMT

The BTA is excited to announce its first-ever ‘One-Page Competition’.

They have launched this to encourage people, regardless of age and experience, to exhibit something from their thematic collection that excites them and will be of wide interest to BTA members as well as other thematic and topical collectors. The rules are simple, you do not need to have exhibited before to enter.

For more information please click here.

USPS 2020 Stamp Issues

Martin Miller — Sun, 20 Sep 2020 12:22:12 GMT

The USPS recently shared a file with us that shows stamp issues the planned postmarks. You can enjoy the file with this link: 2020StampIssueMashup.pdf

One Frame Champion of Champions Competition to be Held Online

Sun, 13 Sep 2020 17:49:33 GMT

The One Frame Champion of Champions competition will be held online this year, according to Mike Ley, president of the American Association of Philatelic Exhibitors (AAPE). The competition, which selects the top exhibit from one frame grand winners at WSP shows during the year, was to have been held in November at Chicagopex. That show has been canceled.

“Beginning Nov. 8 all the exhibits will be available for viewing on the AAPE website at aape.org,” said Ley. “They will be judged by the same jury that would have judged at Chicagopex, and the winner will be announced Nov. 21.”

The exhibits will be shown on a full-frame view in pdf. format. The synopsis for each exhibit, normally only seen by judges, will also be shown. “These top-award-winning exhibits will provide enjoyable and educational opportunities for other exhibitors as well as those contemplating exhibiting,” said Ley. He added that this is the first time a major North American exhibiting award will be determined in a virtual competition.

“AAPE started this championship in 2000 and very much wanted in to continue this year,” said Ley. “We knew that Chicagopex might be canceled, so we planned ahead to take the competition virtual if necessary.”

For more information contact Mike Ley, giscougar@aol.com, 402-984-5010.

2021 ATA Distinguished Topical Philatelist Nominations Are Now Being Accepted

Wed, 09 Sep 2020 22:25:44 GMT

It is the hope of the DTP Selection Team that individuals, study units and chapters will actively consider nominating an individual for this very prestigious recognition. The Distinguished Topical Philatelist for 2021 will be the highest award ATA presented in Great American Stamp Show scheduled for August 12-15, 2021, in Rosemont, (Chicago) IL. This is a joint show of the American Philatelic Society, The American Topical Association and the American First Day Cover Society.

This recognition is bestowed upon a person who has made significant contributions to topical philately and to ATA in particular. The letter of nomination should detail the person’s contribution to philately – in particular, topical philately. You are particularly urged to consider a person who has been active in one of the ATA Units.

The Distinguished Topical Philatelist award was established in 1952 by the late ATA founder Jerome (Jerry) Husak. Since then 122 people have received the honor. Recipients have included residents of the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and Italy. Find a complete listing of past winners at our website. The special url is: americantopicalassn.org/awardsdtp.shtml.

There were two winners for the 2020 award. They were Wayne Youngblood of Prairie du Sac, WI, and Jack Congrove (deceased) of Fort Lewis, WA.

Wayne is the editor of Topical Time and is responsible for guiding the magazine to an increase in the philatelic content and a new fresh look. He has lead the way to making Topical Time into a true electronic basis making electronic publication possible including a magazine archive, full color and electronic subscriptions. He is also editor or on the board of numerous philatelic publications.

Jack was very active in many different philatelic activities. He was instrumental in obtaining World Series of Philately status for the Seattle Philatelic Exhibition (SEAPEX) and served as president of the SEAPEX board. He was an accomplished editor and edited Biophilately, Federated Philatelist, and other publications. He had a Grand Award exhibit on Alexander Hamilton.

Nominations for the 2021 award should be sent to DTP Chairperson, Myron Molnau – 1616 E 32nd Court – Spokane, WA 99203-3918. Deadline for nomination is December 31, 2020.

ATA Hosts USPS First Day Ceremony and Offers Free FDOIC Program

Martin Miller — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 21:09:36 GMT

On Friday, August 21, 2020, the ATA introduced the new Thank You Forever® stamps. In these difficult times, we are thankful for healthcare workers, mail carriers and many others. ATA presented a tribute to the many people we can thank in these troublesome times. ATA second vice president, Tom Broadhead, presented a stirring tribute. Dale Smith, immediate past president served as emcee.

Attendees can request a copy of the first day ceremony program by completing the form at: https://forms.gle/sRo9Un1BgGBPRZzdA. Quantities are limited and requests will be filled on a first come, first served basis.

ATA was also represented at the Innovation Stamps First Day ceremony, on August 20, 2020, by ATA board member Bill DeWitt who spoke about the innovations railroads brought to America.

Get in Touch with Einstein...

Martin Miller — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 21:03:20 GMT

...on stamps, that is!

Albert Einstein on Stamps: A Catalog is an in-depth exploration of how one of the world's most famous scientists has been depicted in modern postage stamps.

The book is fully illustrated, and each listing includes the issuing country, the Scott catalog number, an image of the stamp or souvenir sheet, the denomination and other notes regarding the issue. Albert Einstein on Stamps: A Catalog is an excellent addition to any philatelic library and will certainly be of interest to scientists, physicist and Einstein fans alike.

Click here to order using AmazonSmile on the ATA Amazon.com store.

Summer 2020 Topical Tidbits on Honey Bees Posted

Martin Miller — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 21:00:24 GMT

The summer 2020 Topical Tidbits is all about honey bees. The summer 2020 Topical Tidbits is all about honey bees. Click here to learn all about honey bees, beekeeping and how bees saved America.

ATA Board Member Promotes Hobby While Giving Blood

Martin Miller — Mon, 27 Jul 2020 17:15:44 GMT

ATA board member Félix L. Pérez-Folch, Jr., responded to a local blood drive, and made it an occasion to display stamps related to giving blood. Félix finds ways to promote our great hobby at every turn. Thanks to this creative and enthusiastic man!

Topical Adventures Now Shipping

Martin Miller — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 00:41:30 GMT

The 168th handbook from the American Topical Association is now available for immediate purchase. Get yours today by clicking here.

Jack R. Congrove Memorial Fund

Martin Miller — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 22:26:57 GMT

At the request of numerous people, we have established a memorial fund to honor Jack R. Congrove, ATA second vice president and 35-year member, who died April 8. Contributions can be sent to the ATA office, and the family will be notified. Jack was an accomplished writer and editor. Funds will be earmarked for ATA publications. Please note on your check or PayPal contribution: Jack Congrove Memorial.

Winter 2020 Topical Tidbit on Rabbits Posted

Martin Miller — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 22:28:10 GMT

For the Winter 2020 edition of Topical Tidbits we learn all about rabbits. These mammals which belong to the order Lagomorph include Hares. They typically live between 8 to 10 years and normally weigh between 2 and 11 pounds.

View or download the latest Topical Tidbits edition here.

Jack Congrove

Martin Miller — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 22:34:21 GMT

We are sad to share that Jack . Congrove, an ATA leader for 35 years, died April 8, 2020, in Ft. Lewis, Wash. Jack was ATA second vice president and had leadership roles in many other philatelic organizations. He will be missed by his many friends around the world.

Jack R. Congrove of Ft. Lewis, Wash., an ATA leader for 35 years, died April 8, 2020, of cancer at age 72.

Just prior to his death, he was presented the ATA's highest award, Distinguished Topical Philatelist, given to individuals who have made significant contributions to philately, especially topical philately. The award will also be presented this year to Wayne L. Youngblood.

Jack filled many roles in ATA over the years. He joined the ATA board in 2015, and became second vice president in 2016. As a member of the ATA executive board, he provided leadership in finance and strategic planning, and ATA benefitted in many ways from his creative ideas and practical problem-solving skills. He was willing to take on big projects, but was also available for small chores at stamp shows, such as cancelling cachets or setting up a booth. He chaired the Portland National Topical Stamp Show (NTSS) with Orlie Trier in 2015.

Most recently he was co-editor of ATA handbook #168, Topical Adventures – A Guide to Topical and Thematic Stamp Collecting, which will be published this summer. Martin Kent Miller is designing the sections that were not finished by Jack.

Alexander Hamilton: Soldier, Financier, Statesman, Founder, Jack's acclaimed exhibit, won the Grand Award and large gold medal at the NTSS in 2018. He subsequently showed the exhibit in the APS Champion of Champions exhibition in Omaha, Neb., 2019. He also exhibited Covered Bridges of Fairfield County, Ohio. He collected butterfly and moth stamps, and planned to prepare an exhibit.

Jack was an accomplished philatelic writer and editor. He edited Biophilately, the gold medal winning journal of the Biology Study Unit from 2011 until his death. He also served as a director of the unit for the past 10 years. In 2013, he wrote the history of the unit.

Jack edited the Federated Philatelist, the journal of the Northwest Federation of Stamp Clubs, from 2014 until his death. In 2016, the Federation recognized Jack with their highest honor, the Northwest Distinguished Philatelist Award, for his contributions to philately.

He was also editor of the newsletter of the Northwest chapter of the American Airmail Society.

One of Jack's favorite projects was the Seattle Philatelic Exhibition (SEAPEX). He was instrumental in gaining World Series of Philately status for SEAPEX in 2015, and served as president of the board.

Jack was an active member in the Evergreen Stamp Club in Kent, Wash., giving presentations and assisting greatly at the bi-annual club shows. Jack was instrumental in securing ATA Chapter status for the club in 2016.

An APS member since 2012, Jack frequently volunteered in the youth section at its shows. In 2017, he received the Nicholas Carter Recognition Award for National Service. He was a member of many philatelic organizations, including the American Association of Philatelic Exhibitors, Women Exhibitors, Military Postal History Society, Americana Study Unit, Rocky Mountain Philatelic Library, Biology Study Unit, Gastronomy on Stamps Study Unit and Wine on Stamps Study Unit.

Jack grew up on his parents' dairy farm in Pickerington, Ohio, where he learned his strong work ethic and developed the habit of getting up at 5 a.m., something he did his entire life. He was valedictorian of his high school class and continued to stay in touch with his classmates. He went on to earn a B.S. degree in chemical engineering at Ohio University.

After serving 20 years as a US Army field artillery officer, Jack retired at the rank of major. He served in Vietnam, Germany and on the UN Peace Keeping Forces in the Middle East. Following retirement, he worked for a contractor supporting Army testing at Joint Base Lewis McChord in Ft. Lewis, Wash. He also owned a printing and publishing company, where he edited academic and commercial publications.

Jack had many friends throughout the world. When we hear the phrase, "When you want to get something done, ask a busy person," he immediately comes to mind. He will be remembered for his warmth, ready smile and, of course, for his signature apparel—the baseball cap.

Attention All Exhibitors

(Past member) — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 11:52:12 GMT

Entries are now being taken for the ATA section of the Great American Stamp Show, Aug. 20-23 in Hartford, CT. Thematic exhibits, as well as exhibits that are treated thematically (in other words, they tell a story) will be entered in the ATA portion of the show.

You can access the entry form here. The deadline for entries is April 15, 2020.

Great American Stamp Show Page Updated

(Past member) — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 11:54:53 GMT

Our show page has been updated. Recent additions include details of the President's Reception and 2 ATA sponsored talks. Click hereto read news of the Great American Stamp Show.

Christmas Philatelic Club is ATA's Featured Study Unit of 2020

(Past member) — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 10:57:22 GMT

Congratulations to the Christmas Philatelic Club, which was recently named the ATA Featured Study Unit. This active group will be honored at the Great American Stamp Show.

Click here for more information.

ATA Handbook #168 Coming This Summer

(Past member) — Sat, 25 Jan 2020 18:08:54 GMT

More than 40 ATA members have contributed to a new handbook, to be released this summer. Topical Adventures – A Guide to Topical and Thematic Stamp Collecting covers the full spectrum of topical collecting and exhibiting. Subjects include acquiring, storing and displaying a collection. The section on exhibiting has lots of examples of award winning exhibits.

Welcome Back Cedar Rapids Stamp Club

(Past member) — Mon, 20 Jan 2020 13:33:42 GMT

The Cedar Rapids (Ia.) Stamp Club became ATA Chapter #33 in 1961, but became inactive over the years. They are now re-activated and making plans for topical programs. ATA welcomes them back as an active chapter.

Cedar Rapids Stamp Club is comprised of collectors from around Eastern Iowa who collect for different reasons:

to learn about people, history and geography.
to study the lands of our ancestors.
for investment purposes.
by specific countries, or time periods.
or for topics of interest.

They encourage you to attend a meeting or two for free. Dues are only $15 per year, and members receive their monthly newsletter, The Paste-Up.Their stamp show, CERAPEX, is the largest annual show in Iowa. It will be April 18-19 in Machinists Hall, Cedar Rapids.

Welcome Brandywine Valley Stamp Club

(Past member) — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 11:36:13 GMT

ATA is delighted to welcome ATA Chapter #133, the Brandywine Valley Stamp Club, Hockessin, Del. Special thanks to Bill DeWitt, who initiated the group’s application, and to long-time ATA member Bob Rufe, who is the club president. This very active group has many ATA members.

John the club and other area philatelists for DELPEX, their annual show on April 18 at Nur Shrine Center, New Castle, Del. They’ll have exhibits, dealers and activities all day.

ATA Hot Spot at the South Eastern Stamp Expo

(Past member) — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 10:37:37 GMT

All ATA members (and all collectors interested in topicals) are cordially invited to join in the fun at the upcoming ATA Hot Spot at the Southeastern Stamp Expo, Jan. 30-Feb. 2, at the Atlanta Hilton NE. An ATA Hot Spot is a special opportunity to get to know fellow topical collectors and dealers.

SESE will feature six Hot Spot dealers with items of special interest to topical collectors, along with 17 additional dealers offering a wide selection of worldwide stamps and covers to help build your collection. Bring your checklist!

The ATA booth will be a busy place, where you’re invited to stop and chat. Among those available to visit with you are Jennifer Miller, ATA executive director, and her husband Martin; Dawn Hamman, president; John Hamman, ATA show manager; and board members Tom Broadhead, Carol Costa and Don Neal. Numerous members who manage important volunteer jobs for ATA will also be on hand. We’ll have ATA publications and other items for you to peruse and purchase. There will also be lively discussion at the ATA Roundtable, where you’ll get an update on ATA activities and plans.

Women's Suffrage is the theme for this year's SESE, as 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Kris McIntosh will be speaking on Women's Suffrage.

"How to Build a Topical Exhibit," will be presented by Edwin Andrews, who has created fascinating topical exhibits on hats and trains. The show will also include a wide range of thematic and thematically-organized exhibits. SESE is a World Series of Philately Show, and topical exhibiting will be well represented by exhibits on Women of the Black Heritage Series, The Wilkes Antarctic Expedition, Women in the Olympics, Skylab, The 1925 French Decorative Arts Exposition, Backyard Chickens, The First Men on the Moon, The Jewel City, Woman's Suffrage, The Display and proper Use of the U.S. Flag and Madame Curie.

ATA members have been invited by the show hosts to join them in the hospitality suite on Friday and Saturday evenings to enjoy soft drinks, beer and wine. In addition, ATA members will meet informally on Friday evening at a nearby restaurant for an ATA Night Out. Stop by the ATA Table for details.