New International Stamp Unveiled

Date: June 29, 2009
Release #: 09-52
Contact: Jackie Skaggs, 307-739-3393

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Over 100 people gathered at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center in Moose, Wyoming on Sunday, June 28, to celebrate the unveiling of a new 98-cent international postage stamp featuring Grand Teton National Park. The stamp—part of the Scenic American Landscape series—displays a photograph taken at dawn from the Snake River Overlook by Bishop, California resident, Dennis Flaherty. The stamp’s image is reminiscent of the famous Teton view captured by Ansel Adams in his classic 1942 black and white photograph.

This is the first time that Grand Teton National Park as has been honored on a postage stamp specifically honoring the park. To celebrate this special recognition, Grand Teton National Park international postage stamps and commemorative cachet envelopes were offered for sale by Moose Postmaster, Penny Maldonado, and cancelled with a specially designed first day issue stamp for collection purposes.

Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott joined Gary Sims, senior operating manager of the Colorado/Wyoming Untied States Postal Service District, and Philatelist Richard Thomas of the American First Day Cover Society to mark the occasion and acknowledge the audience, many of whom had traveled from across the country just for the event. All three remained after the dedication to sign collectors’ programs and specially created cachet envelopes.

Postage stamps were first issued in the United States in 1847—a little over 100 years before Grand Teton National Park was enlarged to its present-day boundaries in 1950. Stamp collecting is now a varied and widely popular hobby around the world; it provides an inexpensive and fascinating way to explore cultures, places, and history. It is estimated that over 80% of the world’s children have dabbled in stamp collecting, and adults share the same passion. In fact, the American Philatelic Society boasts over 50,000 members from 110 countries worldwide. Many beginning collectors choose a favorite subject like art, history, sports, transportation, famous people or animals as the theme of their collection and the Grand Teton National Park international stamp unveiling offers a great way to start a new collection or enhance a current collection.

National Park Service

U. S. Department of the Interior

Grand Teton National Park

P. O. Drawer 170

Moose, WY 83012