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What do a 3-cent stamp, 1 million acres of wetlands, and the President of the United States have in common?
On December 5, 1947, one day before the dedication of Everglades National Park, a new 3-cent stamp went on sale in Florida City, Florida. Within days, millions of the new stamps were making their way across the country. Back then, a new stamp was a big event. Its first day came with special postmarks and ceremonies, and this time, a visit from the President.
The stamp’s release was timed to celebrate the newly designated park. The next day, President Harry S. Truman stood in Everglades City, Florida to formally dedicate the new park, home to wetlands and wildlife, for the American public forever.
This exhibit explores the postal tradition of creating beautifully illustrated envelopes, known as first day covers, to celebrate a stamp’s debut. These covers carry a cachet, a small piece of artwork that marks the stamp’s release. The colorful illustrations on the stamp cachets celebrate the animals, plants, landscapes, and people associated with the place, offering a glimpse of how artists and collectors chose to represent the park.
There's more to this story than a 3-cent stamp. Follow the links below to explore how the stamp was created, discover the story of President Truman’s visit and ceremony, and take a closer look at the stamp, first day covers, and artists who captured the occasion on paper.
Exhibit Navigation
The Stamp and Artist
A 3¢ stamp, a Great White Heron, and the artist behind it. Discover the story behind this tiny masterpiece.
President Truman at Everglades
A day after the stamp's release, President Truman dedicated Everglades National Park. Read about the event here.
First Day Covers
Colorful and unique, these envelopes became prized souvenirs of this historic day. Click here to learn about the process and see the covers.
Last updated: November 6, 2026