From: [email protected] Genealogy Researchers: If each person in the online genealogy community would write to this Citizen's Stamp Advisory Committee, I believe we could make enough of an impact to at least bring the subject of a genealogy commemorative stamp to the attention of the committee. We could also ask friends, family members and others to write on behalf of a stamp commemorating genealogy. If a form letter was used, I'm sure it would be much easier to get the signature of others not directly involved in genealogy. A stamp commemorating genealogy would be a stamp commemorating each of us, our research and our ancestors. Thanks! Linda Ball The selection of subjects for U.S. postage stamps and stationery is a difficult task, since only a limited number of new commemorative items can be issued annually. To help in the selection process, the Postmaster General established the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC) over 30 years ago to recommend subjects and designs. Members are appointed to the Committee by the Postmaster General and they reflect a wide range of educational, artistic, historical and professional expertise. Over 50,000 public suggestions are received each year as subjects for our stamps and reviewed by Committee. They review all suggestions using a specific set of criteria and select subjects for recommendation to the Postmaster General. He in turn selects about 25 to 30 new subjects for commemorative stamps. They reflect a wide range of subjects, both interesting and educational, as it is essential we accommodate the needs of our stamp collectors, as well as the mailing public. Proposed ideas for stamp subjects may be directed to the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee at: United States Postal Service c/o Stamp Development 475 L'Enfant Plaza, SW Room 4474E Washington, DC 20260-2437 The committee works at least two to three years in advance of the proposed date of issue. Once a stamp subject is approved, the Postal Service relies on its design coordinators and selected artists to execute the designs. Stamp designing is an unusual art form requiring exacting skill in portraying a subject within very small dimensions. Due to the demands of stamp design and reproduction requirements, it is our policy not to review or accept unsolicited artwork. pf USPS Office of the Consumer Advocate ______________________________ Reply Separator _____________________________= ____ Subject: Genealogy Postage Stamp Author: [email protected] at INTERNET Date: 3/1/00 10:48 PM Postage stamps have been created honoring a great many of the United States' famous persons, places and events. As an amateur genealogy researcher, I would like to see genealogy honored in this way. Many, many pieces of mail go through the USPS each day asking for or containing information about genealogy. It is one of the most popular hobbies in the United States. Along the genealogist's search for family facts, United States history is absorbed. Genealogy is something that can be enjoyed by children, by individuals, by groups and families; and, all the while history is being learned. Also remember, genealogy generates a great deal of busines= s for the USPS. A stamp honoring genealogy not only honors those seeking family history, but will honor all those who have inadvertently learned thei= r United States history lesson. Linda Ball