| Philately, or the study of stamps, is a huge field | | | | enthusiasts, but also various services and |
| of study that has captured the attention of many | | | | informational programs to assist in the pursuit and |
| Americans over the years. This fascination with | | | | enhancement of the collecting experience. Over |
| stamps and the history that surrounds them has | | | | this huge span of time, the APS has been kept |
| led to a hobby related to philately, which is | | | | alive by donations, sale of its various publications, |
| collecting stamps. | | | | receipt of payment for its services, and receipt |
| Usually, stamp collection begins with the acquisition | | | | of its members dues. The community of APS is |
| of a first couple of stamps and the choice of a | | | | not a small one that may be overlooked. In the |
| particular classification of stamps where the | | | | country, there are more than 44, 000 philatelists |
| collector will concentrate his or her efforts on. | | | | formally part of the APS. There are many others |
| The continued acquisition of the stamps for the | | | | who are new to the trade, or are yet to find |
| collection is done either through personal letters, | | | | their way to APS. This huge number is proven by |
| the postal office, trading with fellow collectors, or | | | | the fact that various states hold annual philatelic |
| collectible stamp dealers, rare and high quality | | | | conventions for enthusiasts in the area to meet |
| stamps under the chosen classification. | | | | and convene. Another philatelic association in the |
| However, while it may seem that a philatelic | | | | United States known equally for its expertise is |
| hobby is far too difficult or obscure, it actually is | | | | the Philatelic Foundation. |
| not. The collection and study of stamps is not a | | | | Various classifications and concentrations of |
| completely novel idea; over 110 countries | | | | collection are available. Some of them include |
| worldwide have a sort of society for philatelists | | | | postage stamps from other countries (particularly |
| (or stamp collectors and enthusiasts). | | | | those of age), postage stationery (including air |
| In the United States of America, philatelists | | | | letter sheets, government-issued post cards) that |
| banded together in the year 1886 under the | | | | preceded the printing of the first stamp in the |
| umbrella of the American Philatelic Society (APS). | | | | form we know today, revenue stamps, or first |
| For more than a century now, the APS provides | | | | day cover stamps. |
| its members not only an avenue to meet fellow | | | | |