The Transition to Organized Philately

The Smithsonian National Postal Museum traces the roots of organized philately to informal gatherings where early collectors met to compare, discuss, and exchange stamps. During the mid-19th century, as the hobby transitioned from a casual pastime into a structured pursuit, collectors quickly realized that verbal exchanges were insufficient for documenting complex printing varieties and postal histories. These shared interests naturally encouraged the formation of local clubs and specialized societies devoted to specific countries, periods, or subjects.

These organizations did far more than host social meetings; they published original research, compiled reference materials, and helped collectors share specialist knowledge. Preserving this knowledge required a systematic approach to literature and documentation, laying the groundwork for the first dedicated philatelic libraries.

The Founding of the APA Library Department (1886)

By the 1880s, the United States was home to an estimated 25,000 stamp collectors. To unite these enthusiasts and establish a national framework, the Committee on National Organization was formed in April 1886 by S.B. Bradt, O.S. Hellwig, and R.R. Shuman. This effort culminated in the establishment of the American Philatelic Association (APA) on September 13, 1886, in New York City.

The following day, John K. Tiffany, a prominent attorney and ardent philatelist, was elected president, a position he held until 1896. From its inception, the APA recognized the importance of literature, establishing a dedicated Library Department. As reported in Volume I of The American Philatelist, the department initially relied heavily on donations to build its collection while the association was getting started, laying the groundwork for systematic philatelic preservation.

Early Philatelic Journals and Publications (1887)

In addition to establishing a physical library, early societies prioritized publishing their own research to educate members and combat fraud. The first five issues of the APA's official journal, The American Philatelist, began publication on January 10, 1887, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, under the editorship of W. R. Fraser.

Although a mail vote in June 1887 temporarily selected The Western Philatelist as the official publication, the drive to produce and distribute written research remained a primary goal. These early journals allowed collectors across the country to access expert findings, study counterfeit detection methods, and keep up with organizational developments, establishing a permanent record of philatelic study.

The Role of Modern Philatelic Libraries

Today, the legacy of early philatelic literature is preserved in specialized institutions like the American Philatelic Research Library (APRL) in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. The APRL houses an extensive bibliography of historical and modern texts, allowing collectors to borrow materials directly or request research assistance.

Non-members of the APS or APRL can also contact the librarian for details on borrowing these materials, ensuring that philatelic education remains accessible to the wider public. By maintaining access to classic handbooks, auction catalogs, and specialized studies, modern libraries ensure that the research compiled by 19th-century philatelists remains accessible to contemporary collectors.

Essential Literature for Club and Collection Study

Over the decades, philatelic literature has expanded to cover every aspect of the hobby, from club management to specialized plating studies. Key texts available through research libraries include Elaine Durbin Boughner’s Linn’s Stamp Club Handbook (1983), which provides guidance on running shows and newsletters, and the American Philatelic Society's Building Better Stamp Clubs (1996).

Other specialized works, such as Bill Olcheski's 100 Trivia Quizzes for Stamp Collectors (1982) and George Hentzell's Editing stamp club journals (1980), demonstrate how early communication methods were refined to keep local clubs vibrant, educational, and highly organized.

Integrating Literature with Modern Tools

For the modern collector, historical literature is an invaluable tool for verifying varieties, watermarks, and printing methods safely. While modern digital tools like StampSnap can help you quickly scan a stamp to create a likely identification record, cross-referencing your findings with historical literature remains a cornerstone of serious philatelic study.

By combining the instant cataloging capabilities of StampSnap with the deep historical context found in library archives, collectors can build a highly accurate, safe, and well-documented collection that honors the preservation efforts of early philatelists.

Frequently asked questions

When was the first national philatelic library department established in the United States?

The American Philatelic Association (APA) established its Library Department shortly after its founding on September 13, 1886. As reported in Volume I of The American Philatelist, the department initially relied on donations of literature and reference materials from members to build its collection.

What was the first official journal published by the American Philatelic Association?

The first official journal was The American Philatelist, with its first five issues published in Altoona, Pennsylvania, starting on January 10, 1887, under editor W. R. Fraser. In June 1887, a mail vote temporarily selected The Western Philatelist as the official society publication.

How can modern collectors access historical philatelic literature?

Modern collectors can access historical literature through specialized institutions like the American Philatelic Research Library (APRL) in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. Members and non-members alike can contact the librarian or use online web request forms to borrow books, handbooks, and historical journals.