Smithsonian Institution -- National Postal Museum


	*2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE*
	Telephone:	202.633.5555
	Admission:	Free
	Museum Hours:	Open daily 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM Closed December 25.

The National Postal Museum, a bureau of the Smithsonian Institution, showcases the largest and most comprehensive collection of stamps and philatelic materials in the world, and is devoted to the colorful and engaging history of the nation's mail service. Formerly housed in the National Museum of American History, the National Postal Museum contains more than 16 million objects which explore topics ranging from the Colonial Post, the Pony Express, airmail planes and mail transportation to the art of letter writing and the beauty of stamps.

Library Research Center

The Museum's library includes a rare book room, an audiovisual room, research cubbies, and a workroom for viewing collection items. Philatelic and postal magazines and newsletters, as well as U.S. Postal Service publications and annual reports are on file. Open to the public by appointment from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, call 202-633-9370.

Tours, Programs And Demonstrations

Times and topics of regular tours, demonstrations, films and other programs are posted at the Museum information desk. Special tours for school and camp groups are available throughout the year and may be arranged in advance by calling 202-357-2991, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or 202-786-2414 TTY (for callers with communications impairments).

Service For Visitors With Disabilities

The museum exhibition areas and rest rooms accommodate wheelchairs. Tours for persons with visual or hearing impairments may be arranged in advance by calling 202-786-2942 (voice) or 202-786-2414 TTY (for callers with communications impairments), Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sign language and oral interpreters for programs other than tours are available upon two weeks advance request.

Lost And Found

Located at the Museum security office.

Photography

Hand held cameras, including flash are permitted in halls unless specifically posted. For use of other equipment (including tripods) ask at the information desk for instructions.

Further Inquiries

Call or write: Smithsonian Information, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. 20560, 202-357-2700 or 202-357-1729 (TTY for callers with communications impairments). For daily 24-hour information call Dial-a-Museum: 202-357-2020 (English) or 202-633-9126 (Spanish).