The Smithsonian National Postal Museum is located just across from Union Station in Washington, D.C. It showcases the history of the United States postal service, a collection of stamps from around the world, mailboxes, and a gift shop, among other exhibits. Visitors can also write and send letters from the museum, so you can prepare a letter to send before going there.
In this article, we will provide a detailed introduction to the Smithsonian National Postal Museum.
History of the museum, which also houses government agencies
The Smithsonian National Postal Museum was constructed in 1914 as a major post office located west of Union Station in Washington, D.C. It is situated within a building that was built in 1986. The museum was established as an independent institution on November 6, 1990, and opened to the public as a museum in July 1993. The building was designed by the architectural firm Graham & Burnham and was led by Ernest Graham after the death of Daniel Burnham in 1912.
The building currently houses the headquarters of the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor and serves as the data center for the Senate.
Main attractions at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum
Although the Smithsonian National Postal Museum is a one-story building, it houses many fascinating exhibits, including the history of the United States postal service, vehicles used for delivery, original stamp designs, and more. Additionally, there are video displays explaining the process of handling mail, as well as exhibits where you can learn about the history of letters and stamps. Here are some of the main attractions at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum:
Postal Vehicle Exhibit
The museum showcases a collection of vehicles used for delivery from the 19th century to the present day. Visitors can see various vehicles used for delivery, ranging from bicycles and horse-drawn carriages to trucks and airplanes.
Stamp Collection
The Smithsonian National Postal Museum houses a collection of stamps from around the world, including the United States. Visitors can view a wide range of stamps, from vintage to contemporary designs.
History of Letters
Letters have a long history as a means of communication, and visitors can learn about the history of letters, letter-writing techniques, and the design of letter envelopes at the museum.
History of Post Offices
The United States post offices have been in existence since the late 18th century. At the Smithsonian National Postal Museum, visitors can learn about the history of post offices, postal uniforms, and the internal structure of post offices.
Mailbox Exhibits
The museum displays mailboxes from various periods in the history of the United States. Visitors can learn about the design of mailboxes and the materials used in their construction.
Other services and events at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum
Letter Sending
Visitors to the Smithsonian National Postal Museum can also send letters. You can write a letter and drop it into the museum’s mailbox. Additionally, you can purchase stationery and stamps for letter-writing purposes.
Gift Shop
The museum has a gift shop where various postal-related items are available for purchase. These items include stamps, letter sets, postcards, and writing paper, as well as books, posters, and T-shirts related to the museum’s exhibits.
Events
Throughout the year, the Smithsonian National Postal Museum hosts various events, such as stamp issuance ceremonies and letter-writing workshops. These events provide not only opportunities to deepen knowledge about postal matters but also enjoyable learning experiences.
Education Programs
The museum offers educational programs for schools and organizations. These programs cover topics such as letter-writing techniques, stamp design, and the history of postal services. Some programs also provide hands-on experiences, allowing participants to learn about letter writing and envelope design or even create their own stamps.
Interactive Exhibits for All Ages
The exhibits at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum are mostly interactive, making it an engaging facility for both children and adults. With about 1 to 2 hours of visitation, visitors can explore most of the exhibits. Its close proximity to Union Station, one of the major stations in Washington, D.C., makes it easily accessible. We encourage you to visit and experience this fascinating museum!
