Boston 2026 World Expo
For one week in May 2026, the world capital of stamp collecting will be Boston, host of the Boston 2026 World Expo, the 12th international philatelic exhibition of the United States. During the eight days of the show, the Postal Service will host six First Day of Issue ceremonies:
Treasures of the Revolutionary Era
Saturday, May 23 — 9 a.m.
BCEC Ballroom (Level 3)
The Treasures of the Revolutionary Era stamps will be issued as part of the opening ceremony for the Boston 2026 World Expo.
To mark the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the U.S. Postal Service presents this 20-stamp prestige booklet as part of a broader USPS initiative commemorating 250 years of American independence. Centered on 10 compelling objects from the era, the booklet offers a vivid connection to the symbols and stories that helped shape the United States. Reflecting the booklet’s focus on tangible history, the featured objects range from simple tools to powerful symbols of national purpose drawn from museum collections and historical archives. To complement the stamps, the booklet also includes images and background text that place each object in historical context, connecting everyday experiences to the larger forces at work during the Revolutionary era. Ethel Kessler, an art director for USPS, designed the booklet and stamps.
Stamp Encore
Sunday, May 24 — 11 a.m.
Show Floor Stage: Exhibit Hall A
To celebrate 250 years of postal delivery in 2025, the Postal Service introduced “Stamp Encore,” an invitation to the public to choose one stamp to be reprinted from among the 25 most popular stamps of the past three decades. Decided by more than 500,000 votes, the public’s selection will be revealed at a first-day-of-issue ceremony on Sunday, May 24, 2026, the second day of the Boston 2026 World Expo. Since the beginning of the year, an envelope carrying the mysterious Stamp Encore winner has traveled from one first-day ceremony to another. Lisa Bobb-Semple, USPS director of stamp services, says, “Holding a first-day ceremony for this issuance at the Boston expo adds a fun new twist to an already special event.”
American Bison
Monday, May 25 — 11 a.m.
Show Floor Stage Exhibit Hall A
The buffalo’s epic story has played an enduring role in shaping America’s identity. Honoring our national mammal while saluting historic philately, this unique stamp features a contemporary photograph of a bison inset with artwork evoking a 1923 stamp issued when the species was beginning to rebound from near extinction. Greg Breeding, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp using Tom Murphy’s existing photograph and artwork from the century-old stamp.
Postcrossing
Tuesday, May 26 — 11 a.m.
Show Floor Stage: Exhibit Hall A
These stamps recognize Postcrossing for highlighting the fun of receiving real, personalized mail and promoting greater understanding across countries and cultures. Since 2005, Postcrossing has inspired more than 805,000 people in more than 200 countries and territories to send more than 85 million postcards to eager recipients around the world. These stamps may be used to send a postcard or letter from the United States to any country to which First-Class Mail International service is available. These stamps will have a postage value equivalent to the price of the single-piece First-Class Mail International first-ounce machinable letter at the time of use. Issued in panes of eight, these triangular stamps’ colorful illustrations by Jackson Gibbs playfully acknowledge the great distances postcards often need to travel and the efforts of the dedicated workers who help them reach their far-off destinations. Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps.
International Peace
Wednesday, May 27 — 11 a.m.
Show Floor Stage: Exhibit Hall A
Celebrating the goal of international peace, this stamp features a photograph of an origami crane — a global symbol of hope, peace, and healing. The crane was folded by artist and Peace Crane Project founder Sue DiCicco and photographed by Sally Andersen-Bruce. Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp.
North American Soccer
Thursday, May 28 — 11 a.m.
Show Floor Stage: Exhibit Hall A
Excitement is high as players and fans await the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The United States alone will host 76 World Cup matches in 11 locations, including the final match in New Jersey. Soccer has become especially popular with younger Americans, with millions playing at the youth level and more than 800,000 participating in high school, and our nation’s role as a host could again reshape the future of soccer in the United States. Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp.
Special Dedication: Figures of the American Revolution
Friday, May 29 — 11 a.m.
Show Floor Stage: Exhibit Hall A
Commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States, this pane pays tribute to 25 individuals whose ideas, leadership, and sacrifices were vital to achieving American independence and shaping the new nation. Representing a range of roles and perspectives, from political thinkers and military leaders to writers, diplomats, and everyday citizens, the honorees reflect the collective effort that defined the Revolution. Ethel Kessler, an art director for USPS, designed the pane, which features original artwork by 12 contemporary artists.