The United States Postal Service (USPS) is commemorating its 250th anniversary on July 26, 2025, celebrating two and a half centuries of connecting communities across the country. The milestone will be honored through a series of events, stamp dedications, museum activities, and the release of historical publications and commemorative merchandise.
Legacy of Service and Progress
Established in 1775 with Benjamin Franklin as the first postmaster general, the USPS has evolved into one of the largest and most reliable postal networks in the world. “The rich and enduring history of the Postal Service demonstrates the strength of our Founding Fathers’ wisdom,” said Postmaster General and CEO David Steiner. “We look forward to providing reliable, affordable, and universal service for generations to come.”
Key Celebration Events
- Stamp Dedications: On July 23, USPS will unveil the “250 Years of Delivering” stamps and a new Benjamin Franklin Forever stamp, both featured in the “Putting a Stamp on the American Experience” prestige booklet.
- Nationwide Post Office Events: Locations across the country will host community celebrations.
- Family Festival: The Smithsonian National Postal Museum will hold a Postal Party Family Festival on July 26, featuring activities, crafts, and games for all ages.
Publications Honoring USPS History
- “Putting a Stamp on the American Experience” offers a deep dive into the U.S. stamp program and includes new stamp sheets.
- “Delivering for America,” a coffee table book by historian Jim Bruns, will be released this fall.
- “The United States Postal Service: An American History” (250th edition) is now available both online and in print.
Visual Displays and Signage Nationwide
To further promote the celebration, USPS will showcase:
- Special 250th anniversary signage in Post Office locations.
- A large-format Eagle in Flight banner on USPS headquarters in Washington, D.C.
- A vehicle display featuring historic and modern mail carriers at headquarters.
Digital and Media Initiatives
A new anniversary website, USPS.com/250, offers historical content, media, and event details. USPS employees can also explore anniversary coverage through Link, the organization’s internal news site. In addition, the children’s series “Mail with Mr. ZIP” will premiere a new episode themed around the 250th anniversary.
New Commemorative Merchandise and Public Voting
- USPS is releasing T-shirts, hats, puzzles, and more, all featuring the Eagle in Flight.
- The public is invited to vote for a stamp re-issue from USPS’s past catalog. Voting runs July 23 through September 30 at StampsForever.com/vote, and the winning stamp will be re-released in 2026.
A Historic Journey of Innovation
Since 1775, USPS has continually adapted to technological advances and growing public demand:
- Carried initially by horseback, mail later moved via steamboat, railroad, and airplane.
- In 1863, Congress approved Free City Delivery, while Rural Free Delivery began in 1896 to ensure mail access nationwide.
- The ZIP Code system, established in 1963, revolutionized mail sorting and delivery. The introduction of ZIP+4 enabled high-speed automation.
- Mail service to military personnel remains a crucial part of USPS operations, with nearly 70,000 veterans currently employed by the agency.
USPS Today: A Modern Mail Network
With a $40 billion infrastructure investment, USPS now processes up to 371 million mailpieces daily. It serves nearly 169 million delivery addresses through 34,000 branches and a workforce of over 649,000 employees.
How to Participate and Learn More
Customers can explore stamps and licensed products at usps.com/shopstamps, Amazon, or local Post Offices. For additional updates, visit StampsForever.com or call 844-737-7826.
