National Philatelic Museum of Philadelphia

Among my philatelic collecting interests are postal items related to philatelic libraries and museums. Included in my collection are a number of covers and letters mailed by the National Philatelic Museum which was located in Philadelphia. The story of the National Philatelic Museum and its impact on philately is very interesting. The American Stamp Dealer & Collector magazine which is edited by Randy Neil featured the museum in its November-December 2008 issue followed by more information in the January 2009 issue. The museum was founded in December, 1948 by Bernard W. Davis, a former banker and philanthropist. It went out of business in 1960 or 1961. The museum promoted itself as “The only Museum of its kind in the world actively and exclusively engaged in furthering the interests of Philately.” The museum hosted numerous philatelic exhibits and conventions and produced a series of 36 publications on various aspects of philately. The publications have been treated by libraries as a single serial collection and as individual books. The American Philatelic Research Library has the entire collection. The museum had a close relationship with Temple University and sponsored courses on philately.  The museum had an extensive library. When the museum was closed its library and collections went to the Spellman Museum of Stamps and Postal History in Weston, MA. Bernard Davis has been honored with several philatelic awards including the Luff Award of the American Philatelic Society.