Three gallery activities are featured on a rotating basis in conjunction with "The Queen's Own" exhibition. Program times and presentations are subject to volunteer availability. To find out specific dates and times or to schedule gallery activities for a group of ten or more, please call the Education Department at (202) 633-5533.

Creative Collecting
Gallery Cart Program
Discover the world of philately and its creative possibilities! At 12-years-old, Kristen Ollies' interest in Her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth II developed into an amazing, award-winning, stamp collection. Learn the basic tools of stamp collecting and use canceled stamps to create your own creative "Queen's" collection.

Heads Up!
Gallery Cart Program
What's in a profile? Be introduced to the fascinating characteristics of British stamps. See how they differ from American stamps. Learn about the relationship between the British Monarchy and the postal system of the United Kingdom.

Three times throughout this special exhibition, in May, June, and August, experts will bring its philatelic treasures to life with in-depth presentations of the stories behind the intriguing objects on display. See Special Programs listing for specific dates.

Intriguing Insights: The Queen's Own
Gallery Lecture and Tour
Thursday, May 6, 2004
7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Join Wilson Hulme, the National Postal Museum's philatelic curator, as he brings the philatelic treasures of "The Queen's Own" exhibition to life with a gallery lecture and exhibition tour. Mr. Hulme will guide visitors through the comprehensive exhibit showcasing the spectacular stories of the intriguing objects on display.

The Queen's Stamps–The Book
Lecture and Book Signing
by Mr. Nicholas Courtney
Wednesday, June 16, 2004
7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

The history of The Queen's Collection is as fascinating as the collection itself. Nicholas Courtney, author of The Queen's Stamps, the Authorized History of the Royal Philatelic Collection, will talk on his fascinating research and the writing of the book, with special reference to King George V (the founder of the Collection) as a philatelist, right through to the present day, and the stories behind the acquisition of some of the many rarities.

The Pageantry of Post
The Queen's Own Family Festival
Thursday, July 22, 2004
Noon - 4:00 p.m.

The museum invites visitors of all ages for an afternoon of postal history and philatelic fun with a British twist! Be introduced to the relationship between the British Monarchy and the postal system. Create a collection of British stamps. Learn about the "Machin Head," make a personal silhouette, design a philatelic crown, and more!

Postal Revolutions in Britain
and America
Lecture by Mr. Tom Alexander
Saturday, August 7, 2004
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

In two years, Britain radically transformed mail by introducing a postal system that included a uniform domestic rate based on weight and prepayment of postage using postage stamps and stamped envelopes. The United States set out to follow Britain's lead by adopting these reforms. Join renowned philatelist Tom Alexander as he explains why it took America 23 years to match what Britain had done in two.

Third Annual Maynard Sundman Lecture
A Lecture by Michael Sefi, Keeper of the Royal Philatelic Collection
Saturday, October 16, 2004
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

In celebration of "The Queen's Own," this year's annual Sundman Lecture features the most honored and distinguished Michael Sefi, Keeper of the Royal Philatelic Collection. Join the National Postal Museum for this exciting moment as Sefi discusses the Royal Philatelic Collection, highlights his experiences working with this world-renowned collection, and reviews some of his favorite objects. The Maynard Sundman Lecture Series explores and interprets new philatelic research. The Series named in honor of Maynard Sundman, founder of the Littleton Stamp and Coin Company.