Collecting Black Heritage Stamps, How to Find Previous Stamps

Black Heritage stamps are released every January, and after they run out, the United States Postal Service (USPS) moves on to a new face. Black Heritage stamps started being available to the public in 1940, and if you missed out on any of them, including the very first one of John James Audubon on April 8, 1940, this is your shot of getting discontinued postage stamps.

At present date, the Black Heritage Commemorative Society also has a new limited supply of uncirculated international stamps of President Barack Obama. The set contains 36 stamp sheets from Liberia, Palua, Sierra Leone, etc.

Step One: Call (800) 240-2276 or send a request form for a catalog to Black Heritage Commemorative Society, 33 Danbury Rd, P.O. Box 814, Wilton, CT 06897-9824.

Step Two: Include a mailing address for the Black Heritage Commemorative Society to send a set of three 9 x 12 Black Heritage stamps monthly. If you're only interested in Pres. Barack Obama's stamps, make sure to specify that so they won't send you the other 80-plus stamps that are available, including the three additional ones that out later on.

Step Three: Ask about whether the Black Heritage Commemorative Society Collection book is still complimentary. There used to be a deal for a free album that holds 9 x 12 sheets and an official black and gold album as long as you made three payments for three sets of three. In other words, you have to buy nine stamps total in order to get the album.

Step Four: Each month, more sheets will come. You pay per shipment after you've received each package. Verify whether the sheets come separately or how many sheets come in the free binder to make sure you don't need to order more. The monthly price is usually around $28.35, but this price may be subject to change. Check the price.

Step Five: If you collect them all and at some point want to discontinue your membership, you can always keep track of each stamp at the beginning of each year by using one stamp as a keepsake. The latest Black Heritage Stamp is Anna Julia Cooper.

Step Six: Get your child(ren) involved by helping them create their own biographies about the African-American icons on each postage stamp. Why is he/she noteworthy? What date did this stamp come out? How does this icon reflect today's artists (ex. Mo'Nique wearing a blue flower in her hair like the first black won to win an Oscar. The flower was a tribute to Hattie McDaniel and was the same photo featured on her postage stamp).

Sources:
"Black Heritage Stamp event celebrates Anna Julia Cooper"
"Oscar-winning actress Mo'Nique wears flower in hair as tribute to Hattie McDaniel"

Check out other African-American history related links in the "Resources" tab.