National Postal Museum - Smithsonian Institution Editors' Pick

2 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Washington, DC 20002 | 202-633-1000 | Web site »

Neighborhood:

Capitol Hill

Metro:

Union Station (Red Line)

Type:

Smithsonian

Hours:

Daily 10 am- 5:30 pm

Admission:

Free

Quick Take

More than dated envelopes and dusty mailbags, the museum shows how sending and delivering the mail seeped into nearly every crevice of U.S. history.

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Our Review

This museum is on the lower level of the historic City Post Office Building, which served as the District post office from 1914 to 1986. In addition to having one of the world's largest collections of stamps and philatelic materials, the museum has postal history material that predates stamps, vehicles used to transport mail, mailboxes, mailbags, postal uniforms and equipment.

-- The Guide 2007 (April 26, 2007)

 
 
 
 
 

Average Reader Rating

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Pleasant Surprise

Posted by sterlsusn | Mar 06, 2013 | Mark as Inappropriate

Many would assume that this museum would be a niche musuem for the the rare postal history lover or a stamp collector. However, the museum provides a fascinating look at the complicated process by which mail is sorted and delivered. The vast amount of stamps available to peruse is also a plus. While not on most people's to do list when they come to DC, if they have the time they have got to include this.

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National Postal Museum - Smithsonian Institution
2 Massachusetts Ave. NE
Washington, DC 20002
202-633-1000

 
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