​

GASS was a great event again this year. We had 27 members attend the show. There were members from 17 states and one Canadian province present.  Our booth in the Society Row had a good number of visitors. We had two new members to join on Thursday, one new member to join on Friday and one new member to join on Saturday in additional several members renewed their memberships. On Saturday afternoon we held an ESPER meeting.  

​

The USPS held two First Day issue ceremonies. They issued the "Boston 2026 Stamp Show" Forever stamps Thursday and The "Luna Moth" stamp on Saturday.  A Dedication Ceremony was held on Friday for the "250 Years of Delivering Mail" and "Putting a Stamp on the American Experience" stamps that was issued on 7/23/2025. The United Nations Postal Administration issued The "No Nukes" stamps.  Boston 2026 issued their 5th label at the show. 

Mark Thompson, ESPER member from Nashville Tennessee, brought a case of his newly published books, "Women of the Black Heritage Series from the Fields of Slavery to the Halls of Congress". The book shows his award winning exhibit by the same name which has won numerous APS awards from 2017 through 2024. He sold out all the book he brought with him and was taking orders for more books by Saturday.  Awesome Mark, may you have much success with your book!

​

Calvin Mitchell, ESPER Board member from Maryland, won a Large Gold Ribbon in the Literature competition for his APS article in the March issue of the American Philatelist. Congratulation to both Mark and Calvin! You make ESPER proud.

 

On Thursday Night a group of 10 members attended the fellowship at Blackwood BBQ restaurant. We have a great time talking, laughing and just hanging out for a relaxing evening.  

​

I attended the American Topical Association (ATA) meeting on Friday. A lot of good information was shared about their plans for a new on line "Stamping Ground" where members can communicate with one another. The ATA produced a Topical Times GASS Supplement 2025 Edition Prelude To Boston 2026. The Special Edition had a reprint of my Article on "History of African American in Boston" from Boston 2026 Bulletin 2. The ATA installed new officers during the meeting.

​

I attended the American Philatelic Society (APS)  meeting on Saturday. GASS 2025 was the APS Executive Director, Scott English last stamp show. He is leaving APS for a new position in the Midwest.  Scott was with APS for 10 years, He will be missed.  APS has selected Kirk Gillis as the new APS Executive Director. The APS installed new officers during the show. 

​

By Howard Ingram, President 

​