USPS: 250 Years of Delivering Stamps by Chris Ware

This year is a significant one for American history, with numerous landmark anniversaries—and, depending on your perspective, some questionable celebrations, including the rumored military parade. Amid the fanfare, another, quieter group of public servants is commemorating a major milestone: the 250th anniversary of the United States Postal Service.

Guided by the timeless creed, “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds,” the USPS has long played a vital role in the fabric of American society. From delivering handwritten letters to transporting critical government documents, the postal service has faithfully served the nation, often without the recognition it deserves in the modern era, as technological progress has edged it into the background.

This July, their enduring legacy is being honored, although it remains to be seen whether the President will give them the full acknowledgment they merit. The origins of the USPS date back to 1775, when the first official post office was established in a Boston tavern owned by none other than Benjamin Franklin, the first Postmaster General. At the time, Franklin was also serving as postmaster of Philadelphia and firmly believed that dependable mail service was essential to sustaining the young nation’s independence.

In celebration of this 250-year journey, the USPS is releasing a special stamp pane titled 250 Years of Delivering. Designed by renowned cartoonist Chris Ware, this set of 20 stamps invites the public to engage in a whimsical visual journey, following a mail carrier through the four seasons while spotting iconic postal imagery along the way.

“It’s been an honor to celebrate the everyday heroism of mail carriers through this project,” said Chris Ware. “Designing these stamps was like creating a tiny comic strip in honor of a public service that still connects people in the most human way possible.”

Also set for release in July is a prestigious commemorative booklet, featuring the new Ben Franklin Stamp alongside the Ware-designed pane. Collectors and history buffs alike can look forward to additional stamp issues as part of the USPS’s 2025 program, with further announcements expected soon.

This release is not only a delight for stamp collectors but also a proud moment for celebrated cartoonist Chris Ware, whose distinctive style brings a playful yet meaningful touch to this historic commemoration. Whether you’re a seasoned philatelist, a fan of Ware’s work, or simply someone who appreciates the legacy of the Postal Service, this collection offers something special.

“This stamp pane is a celebration of our history, our mission, and the dedicated individuals who have carried it forward through generations,” said a USPS spokesperson. “We’re thrilled to partner with Chris Ware to bring the story of American mail delivery to life in such a vibrant and accessible format.”

Customers interested in purchasing these commemorative stamps and related philatelic products have several convenient options. They can shop online through The Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, place an order by phone at 844-737-7826, or order by mail via the USA Philatelic catalog. Additionally, select Post Office locations nationwide will carry the new releases, making it easy for collectors and enthusiasts alike to get their hands on these celebratory items.