Leaving Their Mark on History

In honor of Black History Month, we're spotlighting a special USPS product from the 2024 The Underground Railroad stamp issuance, entitled “Leaving Their Mark on History: Ten Heroes of the Underground Railroad.” 

This collector's set honors the courage and imagination of men and women who played a role in the Underground Railroad movement. It comes with 5 progressive stamp proofs, a mint pane of 20 The Underground Railroad Forever stamps, an original 8” x 10” art print, and a booklet with a truly unique production design. What appears to be a traditional pamphlet unfurls into an impressive 38 inches, including a timeline of key events in the years leading up to emancipation, a map of escape routes, and a brief biography of each of the 10 brave individuals featured on the stamps. 

The design of these pieces was inspired by the art direction for the stamps — making use of block lettering similar to 19th-century wooden type. The color choices used throughout were intentional — especially the use of the color red. "Red alludes to the hues of a sunset, the time of day when most Underground Railroad movement would have commenced, as well as a spirit of resistance," explains designer Lamont Sandridge. The pieces in the product also include a muted red, white, and blue theme. “We wanted it to be subdued or even somber,” adds Sandridge, to reflect the tone of this chapter of our nation’s history. 

The Leaving Their Mark on History collection not only makes a valuable addition to any philatelist’s portfolio, but it also serves as a powerful reminder of the bravery of those who fought for freedom and the potency of collective action. Order yours at the link below.