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USPS News: Philatelic Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 6, 2001
Stamp Release No. 01-076
POSTAL SERVICE ANNOUNCES 2002 STAMP PROGRAM
Langston Hughes, Irving Berlin, Nellie Bly, Harry Houdini, the 50 States and Teddy Bears Among Subjects Honored on Next Year's Stamps
Langston Hughes, Irving Berlin, Nellie Bly, Harry Houdini, the 50 States and Teddy Bears Among Subjects Honored on Next Year's Stamps
WASHINGTON - A colorful set of postage stamps bearing greetings from each of the 50 states, and designs honoring poets, entertainers and journalists, are among the new stamps slated to be issued next year by the U.S. Postal Service.
"Stamps and the U.S. Mail have always played an important role in facilitating communications and business transactions that help bind our nation together," said Cathy Caggiano, executive director, Stamp Services. "The 2002 commemorative stamp program will carry on this tradition while recognizing many of the people, places and things that have had the greatest influence on American culture."
A block of four Winter Sports stamps will jump-start the year with designs saluting athletic events showcased at the Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City. A stamp honoring the important and often life-changing act of mentoring a child, and the latest stamp in the Lunar New Year series - with a design depicting the Year of the Horse - will also be issued in January.
Feb. 1 will mark the beginning of Black History Month and the issuance of a stamp featuring writer Langston Hughes. This stamp will be the 25th in the Black Heritage series. Other notable Americans in the series include last year's honoree Roy Wilkins, Malcolm X (1999), Bessie Coleman (1995) and Martin Luther King, Jr. (1979).
Other individual honorees to appear on stamps in 2002 are Irving Berlin (expected to be issued May 11), Harry Houdini (July 3), Andy Warhol (Aug. 6), poet Ogden Nash (Aug. 19) and Duke Kahanamoku, the Olympic Games gold medalist and "father of international surfing" (August).
On March 16 the Postal Service will issue a stamp celebrating the 200th anniversary of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Also expected in March, or early February, is a Happy Birthday stamp that will spice up traditional birthday wishes mailed to family and friends.
Based on "large letter" postcards popular in the 1930s and 1940s, the Greetings From America stamps will be issued in April, marking the first issuance of a pane of 50 stamps in 10 years. The stamps hint at the romance of travel and discovery and convey a nostalgia for all aspects of popular American culture. Text on the back of the 50-stamp pane will list each state's bird, flower, tree and capital city, as well as date of statehood.
April will also see the continuation of the educational Nature of America series. The fourth souvenir sheet of 10 stamps in the series will shed light on the longleaf pine forest. Although greatly reduced in size, the longleaf pine forest still occupies parts of its natural range in the coastal plains from southeastern Virginia to eastern Texas.
The final installment in the Classic Collection series debuts in June with the release of the Masters of American Photography pane of 20 stamps featuring a wide variety of black and white images captured on film by notable photographers over the years. On June 27 a new stamp in the American Treasures series showcases the artwork of John James Audubon. The series began in 2001 with the Amish Quilts stamps.
Four lovable Teddy Bears are expected to win the hearts of many collectors starting Aug. 15. These stamps were inspired by the popular single design issued in 1998 as one of 15 stamps honoring the 1900s in the Celebrate The Century program.
In September "Kirby" and "Samantha," a photogenic puppy and kitten adopted from animal shelters, will appear on the Neuter or Spay stamps, which were developed to help spread awareness about the importance of neutering or spaying pets. Four Women in Journalism stamps - recognizing the talents of Marguerite Higgins, Ida Tarbell, Ethel Payne and Nellie Bly - will also make headlines.
September will end with the issuance of the American Bats stamps, which will take flight just in time for the beginning of National Stamp Collecting Month in October. The return of the classic Hawaiian Missionaries stamps and holiday stamps featuring four "Snowmen" ornaments will close out the 2002 program.
The Legends of Hollywood series continues in 2002, but the design and date of issue have not been determined.
All 2002 stamp issuance dates or months listed in this news release are tentative. Updated schedules will be available regularly through the "Postal Bulletin," which can be viewed online at http://www.usps.com/cpim/ftp/bulletin/pb.htm.
To see the 2002 stamps, visit the Postal Service Web site at www.usps.com and locate the online version of this press release by clicking on "News and Events" then "Philatelic News."
Current U.S. stamps, as well as a free comprehensive catalog, are available toll free by calling 1 800 STAMP-24. In addition, a selection of stamps and other philatelic items are available in the Postal Store at www.usps.com.
For 226 years, the United States Postal Service has been the gateway to the household, binding friends, families and neighbors together. It is an independent federal agency that handles 46 percent of the world's mail volume, with annual revenues of $65 billion. The Postal Service is not funded with taxpayer dollars, but derives its revenues solely from the sale of postage and other products and services it provides. Through its unrivaled service network, the Postal Service delivers money, messages and merchandise daily to 135 million addresses, offering some of the most affordable postage rates in the world.
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2002 U.S. COMMEMORATIVE STAMP PROGRAM
Background Information
Background Information
Winter SportsThe cold temperatures and snowy conditions that keep many inside during the winter are essential for athletes who take part in winter sports. The Postal Service recognizes the competitive drive of these athletes with stamps depicting four popular sports of the Winter Olympic Games: figure skating, ice hockey, snowboarding and ski jumping.
Mentoring a ChildWith the issuance of the Mentoring a Child stamp, the Postal Service continues its tradition of raising public awareness of social issues. Lance Hidy's stamp design conveys the benefits of mentoring, and his computer-generated artwork depicts an adult offering guidance to a child. The type on the stamp reads "Mentoring A Child" at the top and "Values - Goals - Skills" at the bottom.
Year of the HorseTo commemorate the Year of the Horse, which begins Feb. 12, 2002, Clarence Lee created an intricate paper-cut design of a horse, the seventh of twelve animals associated with the Chinese lunar calendar. The Chinese characters - drawn in grass-style calligraphy by Lau Bun - translate into English as "Year of the Horse." The greeting "Happy New Year!" is in English. This is the tenth stamp in the award-winning Lunar New Year series.
Langston HughesThis 25th stamp in the Black Heritage series honors writer Langston Hughes on the centennial of his birth. The stamp art is a 1946 black-and-white photograph of Hughes taken in New York City by the renowned photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson, who was a friend of Hughes. Although Hughes considered himself a poet first, he wrote in many literary genres, from short stories to drama. His innovative poetry combined jazz, blues and the black vernacular with the traditions of poetry in English. Admired in his own time, Hughes is now considered one of the most important American writers of the 20th century.
U.S. Military AcademyThis stamp recognizes the bicentennial of the United States Military Academy and features a color photograph of the West Point coat of arms. Thomas Jefferson signed legislation establishing a military academy at West Point, N.Y., in 1802. After two centuries of service, the academy objective is largely unchanged. It remains to prepare each graduate, through academic, military, and physical education and development, for a career as an officer in the United States Army and a lifetime of selfless service to the nation.
Happy BirthdayThis stamp will enable people to add a festive touch to birthday cards and packages. Like the two previous Happy Birthday stamps, which were issued in Special Occasions booklets in 1987 and 1988, the 2002 stamp recognizes the tradition of sending special birthday greetings to family and friends.
Greetings From AmericaThe 2002 release of the Greetings From America stamps will mark the first issuance of a pane of 50 stamps in 10 years. Inspired by the retro "large letter" postcards that were used to advertise cities, states or tourist attractions in the 1930s and 1940s, artist Lonnie Busch combined flora and fauna with local points of interest into colorful collages that celebrate the unique character of each state. Text on the back of the 50-stamp pane will list each state's bird, flower, tree and capital, as well as date of statehood.
Longleaf Pine ForestThe Longleaf Pine Forest pane of 10 stamps is the fourth in the Nature of America series, which is an educational series promoting the appreciation of North America's major plant and animal communities. To illustrate the diversity of species found in the longleaf pine forest, artist John D. Dawson portrayed 31 animal and plant species. Although the scene is imaginary, all species represented are appropriate and were recommended by scientists. A numbered key to the artwork appears on the back of the pane, along with a corresponding list of common and scientific names for 27 selected species.
Irving BerlinThis stamp honors accomplished songwriter Irving Berlin. A 1932 black-and-white photograph of Berlin by Edward Steichen (which was colorized for the stamp art) is superimposed over Berlin's handwritten score of "God Bless America." His signature from that score appears across the bottom of the stamp. A man of the people who had an ear for the types of songs that would be universally appealing, Berlin helped change the direction of American popular music. During his long career he wrote more than 1,000 songs, many of which became standards that are still favorites today.
John James AudubonThe artwork of plate 354 from a reprint of John James Audubon's "Birds of America" was chosen for this second issuance in the American Treasures series, which began with the Amish Quilts stamps issued in 2001. This design portrays two male Louisiana tanagers (now known as western tanagers) in spring plumage and two scarlet tanagers, an "old male" in spring plumage and an "old female." Audubon (1785-1851) was a self-taught artist and naturalist whose magnum opus, Birds of America, has been described as "the finest pictorial ornithological book ever produced."
Masters of American PhotographyFeatured on these stamps are photographs made by 20 of America's most influential photographers. Arranged in chronological order, they offer a visual sampling of the history and development of photography in the U.S. and illustrate the changes in American culture and society. The work of the following photographers is depicted: The firm of Albert Sands Southworth and Josiah Johnson Hawes; Timothy H. O'Sullivan; Carleton E. Watkins; Gertrude Käsebier; Lewis W. Hine; Alvin Langdon Coburn; Edward Steichen; Alfred Stieglitz; Man Ray; Edward Weston; James VanDerZee; Dorothea Lange; Walker Evans; W. Eugene Smith; Paul Strand; Ansel Adams; Imogen Cunningham; André Kertész; Garry Winogrand; and Minor White. The selvage photograph was made either by William Henry Jackson or by one of his assistants.
Harry HoudiniThis stamp honors Harry Houdini, America's most famous escape artist and magician - a star who needed no further introduction beyond his last name. The portrait on the stamp, which depicts a confident, self-assured man at the height of his career, was taken from a 1911 lithographed poster in the collection of Gary H. Mandelblatt. This 2002 issuance coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Society of American Magicians. Houdini served as president of the society from 1917 until his death in 1926.
Andy WarholThe Postal Service continues its celebration of the fine arts by paying tribute to Andy Warhol, a leading figure in the pop art movement and one of the most influential artists of his time. The stamp art features Andy Warhol's "Self-Portrait, 1964." Based on a photo-booth photograph, the image - silkscreen ink and synthetic polymer paint on canvas - is one of several versions in varying colors. The work is now in the collection of The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Teddy BearsFour lovable, cuddly teddy bears are featured on the Teddy Bears pane of twenty stamps. Photos of the bears appear in the header; details of the photos appear on the stamps. The four stamp designs are repeated five times each on the pane. The header text on the stamp pane reads: "left to right: Gund bear, c.1948 o Bruin bear, c.1907 o Ideal bear, c.1905 o 'stick' bear, 1920s."
Ogden NashThis stamp honoring poet Ogden Nash on the centennial of his birth is the 18th stamp in the Literary Arts series. A gentle satirist, Nash poked fun at human foibles without cynicism. He wrote on many subjects, but all of his poems expressed his wry wit and demonstrated his playfulness with language. Award-winning artist Michael J. Deas based his portrait of Nash on a circa 1952 black-and-white photograph taken by Kay Bell Reynal. The background of the stamp consists of six poems by Nash: "The Turtle," "The Cow," "Crossing the Border," "The Kitten," "Limerick One" and "The Camel."
Duke KahanamokuThis stamp honors Hawaiian swimmer, surfer and Olympic Games gold medalist Duke Kahanamoku, who was renowned not only for his athletic prowess but also for his grace, humility and good sportsmanship. He is widely considered to be the father of international surfing, and for much of his life he served as a living symbol of hospitality and goodwill to the rest of the world. The portrait on the stamp, an oil painting by Michael J. Deas, is based on a 1918 photograph from the collection of the Bishop Museum in Honolulu. Visible in the background are depictions of Diamond Head and two surfers riding a wave at Waikiki Beach.
Women in JournalismThis pane of 20 stamps pays tribute to four accomplished women in journalism: Nellie Bly, Ida M. Tarbell, Marguerite Higgins and Ethel L. Payne. For each stamp, artist Fred Otnes created a collage featuring a black-and-white photograph combined with memorabilia such as publication nameplates and story headlines. The four designs are repeated five times each on the stamp pane. Information about the specific elements in each collage is contained in the design briefs of the individual profiles.
Neuter or SpayPhotographs by Sally Andersen-Bruce of a neutered puppy ("Kirby") and a spayed kitten ("Samantha") are featured on this pane of 20 Neuter or Spay stamps. The header text reads: "Too many animals, Too few homes, Save lives, Neuter or Spay." An estimated 70,000 cats and dogs are born each day in the United States. Animal shelters and veterinarians throughout the country urge pet owners to neuter or spay their dogs and cats in order to combat the problem of animal overpopulation.
American BatsThis pane of 20 stamps consists of four different stamp designs featuring photographs of bats found in the continental United States: the red bat, the pallid bat, the spotted bat and the leaf-nosed bat. The photographs on the stamps and on the selvage were all taken by Dr. Merlin D. Tuttle of Bat Conservation International, Inc., based in Austin, Texas. The bats were released unharmed after being photographed.
Hawaiian MissionariesThe 2002 Hawaiian Missionaries souvenir sheet features a header, a selvage image and four 34-cent stamps that bear reproductions of the 1851-1853 Hawaiian Missionary stamps: one 2-cent stamp, one 5-cent stamp and two 13-cent designs. The header image on this souvenir sheet features a detail of a wood engraving of Diamond Head. Also on the souvenir sheet is a photograph of an envelope sometimes known as the "Dawson cover" (the only surviving envelope to bear a 2-cent Hawaiian Missionary stamp). Addressed to Eliza A. Dawson of New York, the envelope bears 2-cent and 5-cent Hawaiian Missionary stamps as well as two 3-cent U.S. George Washington stamps. The Dawson cover was found around 1905 among papers stuffed into a furnace; evidence of slight charring is visible on the left edge.
Holiday: SnowmenThe 2002 Holiday issuance features photographs by Sally Andersen-Bruce of four whimsical snowmen figurines. Created from a variety of materials, they range in size from four to nine inches high and from two to six inches wide.
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