Every 10 years, the United States hosts an historic event in which people from around the world come together to honor the postage stamp. This year's eight-day celebration titled: World Stamp Show - NY 2016 is scheduled from Saturday, May 28 through Saturday, June 4, at the Javits Center located at 655 West 34th St., in New York City. In addition to hundreds of thousands stamps from around the world, this year's exhibition will include the world's most valuable postage stamp; John Lennon's childhood stamp album; vintage postal vehicles; and much more.
Visitors from all 50 states and more than 100 countries are expected to attend the free exhibition and retail event at which they can buy from more than 200 of the world's most notable and respected stamp dealers, bid on rarities through revered auction houses, view nearly 60,000 pages of stamp exhibits, attend seminars, or just "Take a Walk Around the World" through the 60+ country post offices participating in the exhibition.
On display will be very valuable and rare stamps, including the British Guiana One-Cent Black on Magenta stamp, produced in 1856, sold in 2014 for $9.5 million, and considered to be the world's most valuable object by weight. Those new to the hobby of stamp collecting will receive complimentary stamps and guidance from "stamp buddies" on how to begin collecting in the "beginner's area," with planned activities for those attendees from six years of age to 96.
"For more than 150 years, postage stamps have connected people from all over the world," says Wade Saadi, president of World Stamp Show - NY 2016. "Just as Passport stamps show where people have traveled to in the world, postage stamps are a unique way of learning about history, geography and even pop culture. Collectors are able to tell stories of the past, such as who was the president of the U.S. in any given year, what cars were popular when, or when the world was at war, as well as to commemorate a wide variety of themes, including artwork, inventions, animals, sports, and world leaders."
Throughout the ages, stamp collecting has been a passionate hobby of some very famous people from all walks of life including: Pope Francis (boyhood collector), Queen Elizabeth, Warren Buffet, Nicolas Sarkozy, John Lennon, Freddie Mercury, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Jacques Cousteau, and George Bernard Shaw, among many others.
"For generations, letters have delivered news of events, both happy and sad occasions, business, politics, discoveries, and family history. By the same token, postage stamps reflect the times and teach us about people, places and events, reflecting on the talk of the day," said Saadi. "Stamp collecting is a great way to connect with the past and present, obtaining valuable knowledge that requires being mindful - without the need for technology.
The World Stamp Show - NY 2016 opens on Saturday, May 28, from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. From Sunday, May 29 through Saturday, June 4, show hours will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free of charge.
For further information, visit www.ny2016.org.