Workshop: Every Stamp Tells a Story: How Postage Stamps, Postal Stationery, Postcards, and Other Postal Ephemera from the 18th Century to Today are Historically Important to Special Collections
Sponsored by Read’Em Again Books. THIS SESSION IS SOLD OUT.
Often dismissed because of their ubiquity, ephemera such as postage stamps instead need to be treasured as important historical documents. We’ll examine their development, and also explore the intricate markings of postal envelopes and covers, which can tell us much about how letters, commercial orders, and other communication traveled in the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. Such envelopes and covers are often found in libraries’ special collections and this workshop will use a combination of visuals and hands-on activities to understand these ephemeral works and their context. This workshop will deliver a fresh, new interpretation of the historical importance of postal documents and mail communication in special collections. No prior knowledge of the topic is necessary.