National Postal Museum

National Postal Museum public programs calendar

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Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45-minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Thursday, October 8, 2026, 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45-minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Assisted listening devices. Thursday, October 8, 2026, 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM. For more info visit maps.google.com.

Story Time

Ongoing Tours & Activities Stamp your calendar for Story Time! Join us every week for a fresh story, a stroll through the Museum, hands-on postal play, and more. Together, we’ll explore mail and all the ways it connects us to people, places, and big ideas.     Stop by anytime—whether you stay for one activity or the whole session, this program will get everyone’s “stamp of approval”.   Meet in the Museum Lobby.  If there are services or accommodations that can improve your experience (e.g. ASL interpretation, etc.), please contact NPMprograms@si.edu; 1–2 week’s advance notice is recommended but not required. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Meet in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free ; no registration required. Categories: Kids & Families. Friday, October 9, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Friday, October 9, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Assisted listening devices. Friday, October 9, 2026, 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information  Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Monday, October 12, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information  Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Monday, October 12, 2026, 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM.

Dead Letter Office: Gallery Experience

Ongoing Tours & Activities Could you be a postal clerk? In this activity, a volunteer challenges you to sort mail, deciding which letters will be delivered and which would be sent to the Dead Letter Office. Complete the challenge and leave with a prize! Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Moving the Mail Atrium. Cost: Free. Categories: Demonstrations. Gallery Talks & Tours. Kids & Families. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Tuesday, October 13, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

Routes to a Nation Gallery Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities How did a collection of scattered colonies become a nation? Join one of the National Postal Museum's curators for a gallery tour exploring the communication networks that connected Americans during the colonial period and early republic.  Learn about Benjamin Franklin's nearly forty-year postal career; how American revolutionaries challenged the royal postal system and established their own; and how merchants used transatlantic correspondence to participate in global commerce.  Based on the new NPM book, Routes to a Nation, recently published by Smithsonian Books, this interactive tour highlights objects that reveal how mail shaped commerce, government, culture, and national identity.  This 45-minute guided tour includes time for questions and discussion. Presenters:  Lynn Heidelbaugh, Alison Bazylinski, Daniel Piazza (rotating). Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Tuesday, October 13, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: FREE. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Wednesday, October 14, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Thursday, October 15, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Thursday, October 15, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Story Time

Ongoing Tours & Activities Stamp your calendar for Story Time! Join us every week for a fresh story, a stroll through the Museum, hands-on postal play, and more. Together, we’ll explore mail and all the ways it connects us to people, places, and big ideas.     Stop by anytime—whether you stay for one activity or the whole session, this program will get everyone’s “stamp of approval”.   Meet in the Museum Lobby.  If there are services or accommodations that can improve your experience (e.g. ASL interpretation, etc.), please contact NPMprograms@si.edu; 1–2 week’s advance notice is recommended but not required. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Meet in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free ; no registration required. Categories: Kids & Families. Friday, October 16, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Friday, October 16, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Assisted listening devices. Friday, October 16, 2026, 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM.

Routes to a Nation Gallery Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities How did a collection of scattered colonies become a nation? Join one of the National Postal Museum's curators for a gallery tour exploring the communication networks that connected Americans during the colonial period and early republic.  Learn about Benjamin Franklin's nearly forty-year postal career; how American revolutionaries challenged the royal postal system and established their own; and how merchants used transatlantic correspondence to participate in global commerce.  Based on the new NPM book, Routes to a Nation, recently published by Smithsonian Books, this interactive tour highlights objects that reveal how mail shaped commerce, government, culture, and national identity.  This 45-minute guided tour includes time for questions and discussion. Presenters:  Lynn Heidelbaugh, Alison Bazylinski, Daniel Piazza (rotating). Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Sunday, October 18, 2026, 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM.

Virtual Story Time

Ongoing Tours & Activities Join educators from the National Postal Museum for live, interactive story time. Designed for children ages 4-7, but all are welcome! Mondays at 11:00 (ET) National Postal Museum educators will read stories aloud and lead related activities in a Zoom meeting for children and their caregivers. Explore a range of postal-related topics and more! Sessions will be interactive and last approximately 45-60 minutes. Caregivers are expected to be present with children for the duration of the program. Event Location: Online Only. Online Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/story-time-with-the-national-postal-museum-registration-141338917507. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/story-time-with-the-national-postal-museum-registration-141338917507. Categories: Kids & Families. Webcasts & Online. Monday, October 19, 2026, 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information  Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Monday, October 19, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information  Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Monday, October 19, 2026, 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM.

Printmaking, Postage, and Process: A Virtual Educator Workshop with Heather Moulder

One-Time Events Virtual | Open to educators of all grade levels and subject areas  Free event, registration required Join the National Postal Museum’s 2026 Guest Artist, Heather Moulder, for a virtual workshop designed for K–12 educators. Explore the intersection of stamps, art, and printmaking while learning about the history of printmaking, Heather Moulder's work, the process behind creating the USPS 2024 Bluegrass Forever stamp, and accessible printmaking techniques that can be adapted for any classroom. The session will conclude with a Q&A. Event Location: Online only, registration required. Online Link: https://smithsonian.zoom.us/meeting/register/O0W9AXk_QuqjCfNf-lEqww. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonian.zoom.us/meeting/register/O0W9AXk_QuqjCfNf-lEqww. Categories: Workshops. Webcasts & Online. Related Events: https://postalmuseum.si.edu/guest-artist-program. Monday, October 19, 2026, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM. For more info visit smithsonian.zoom.us.

Postmarks and Paperbacks October Meeting

One-Time Events Join staff from the Smithsonian National Postal Museum and the Postal Museum in London for a discussion on 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff on Monday, October 19th at 7:00pm. If you have any accessibility requirements, please email NPMprograms@si.edu and we will do everything we can to meet your needs. A Zoom link will be emailed to participants prior to the program. Registration is required. Event Location: Online. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/postmarks-paperbacks-october-meeting-tickets-1998484205055?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true. Categories: After Five. Monday, October 19, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM. For more info visit postalmuseum.si.edu.

Highlights Tour with the Postal Museum’s Director or Deputy Director

Ongoing Tours & Activities On this extra special tour with the Postal Museum’s Director or Deputy Director, explore the wonders of our museum like never before! Meet at the Information  Desk for an exclusive 45-minute tour. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: FREE. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Tuesday, October 20, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: FREE. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45-minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Assisted listening devices. Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM. For more info visit maps.google.com.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Thursday, October 22, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Thursday, October 22, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Story Time

Ongoing Tours & Activities Stamp your calendar for Story Time! Join us every week for a fresh story, a stroll through the Museum, hands-on postal play, and more. Together, we’ll explore mail and all the ways it connects us to people, places, and big ideas.     Stop by anytime—whether you stay for one activity or the whole session, this program will get everyone’s “stamp of approval”.   Meet in the Museum Lobby.  If there are services or accommodations that can improve your experience (e.g. ASL interpretation, etc.), please contact NPMprograms@si.edu; 1–2 week’s advance notice is recommended but not required. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Meet in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free ; no registration required. Categories: Kids & Families. Friday, October 23, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Friday, October 23, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Assisted listening devices. Friday, October 23, 2026, 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information  Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Sunday, October 25, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information  Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Monday, October 26, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information  Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Monday, October 26, 2026, 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM.

Dead Letter Office: Gallery Experience

Ongoing Tours & Activities Could you be a postal clerk? In this activity, a volunteer challenges you to sort mail, deciding which letters will be delivered and which would be sent to the Dead Letter Office. Complete the challenge and leave with a prize! Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Moving the Mail Atrium. Cost: Free. Categories: Demonstrations. Gallery Talks & Tours. Kids & Families. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Tuesday, October 27, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: FREE. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Wednesday, October 28, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Thursday, October 29, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Thursday, October 29, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Story Time

Ongoing Tours & Activities Stamp your calendar for Story Time! Join us every week for a fresh story, a stroll through the Museum, hands-on postal play, and more. Together, we’ll explore mail and all the ways it connects us to people, places, and big ideas.     Stop by anytime—whether you stay for one activity or the whole session, this program will get everyone’s “stamp of approval”.   Meet in the Museum Lobby.  If there are services or accommodations that can improve your experience (e.g. ASL interpretation, etc.), please contact NPMprograms@si.edu; 1–2 week’s advance notice is recommended but not required. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Meet in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free ; no registration required. Categories: Kids & Families. Friday, October 30, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Friday, October 30, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Assisted listening devices. Friday, October 30, 2026, 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM.

Stamp & Scream

One-Time Events Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: National Postal Museum. Cost: Free ; no registration required. Categories: Kids & Families. Celebrations. Related Events: Step into a world of spooky stamps, silly surprises, and creative Halloween fun! Families can explore hands‑on artmaking, join a museum‑wide costume parade, and discover seasonal stories and activities around every corner.... Costumes encouraged!  *Costumes must keep faces visible and include no masks or face coverings and no fake weapons of any kind.   Timed Activities:  12 pm and 2pm | Story Time with DC Public Library  1pm | Costume Parade throughout the Museum  Activities Include:  … Accessibility: ASL-interpreted program. Saturday, October 31, 2026, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45-minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Sunday, November 1, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Virtual Story Time

Ongoing Tours & Activities Join educators from the National Postal Museum for live, interactive story time. Designed for children ages 4-7, but all are welcome! Mondays at 11:00 (ET) National Postal Museum educators will read stories aloud and lead related activities in a Zoom meeting for children and their caregivers. Explore a range of postal-related topics and more! Sessions will be interactive and last approximately 45-60 minutes. Caregivers are expected to be present with children for the duration of the program. Event Location: Online Only. Online Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/story-time-with-the-national-postal-museum-registration-141338917507. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/story-time-with-the-national-postal-museum-registration-141338917507. Categories: Kids & Families. Webcasts & Online. Monday, November 2, 2026, 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information  Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Monday, November 2, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information  Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Monday, November 2, 2026, 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: FREE. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Wednesday, November 4, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45-minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Assisted listening devices. Wednesday, November 4, 2026, 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM. For more info visit maps.google.com.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Thursday, November 5, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Thursday, November 5, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Story Time

Ongoing Tours & Activities Stamp your calendar for Story Time! Join us every week for a fresh story, a stroll through the Museum, hands-on postal play, and more. Together, we’ll explore mail and all the ways it connects us to people, places, and big ideas.     Stop by anytime—whether you stay for one activity or the whole session, this program will get everyone’s “stamp of approval”.   Meet in the Museum Lobby.  If there are services or accommodations that can improve your experience (e.g. ASL interpretation, etc.), please contact NPMprograms@si.edu; 1–2 week’s advance notice is recommended but not required. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Meet in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free ; no registration required. Categories: Kids & Families. Friday, November 6, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Friday, November 6, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Assisted listening devices. Friday, November 6, 2026, 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information  Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Sunday, November 8, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information  Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Monday, November 9, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information  Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Monday, November 9, 2026, 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM.

Dead Letter Office: Gallery Experience

Ongoing Tours & Activities Could you be a postal clerk? In this activity, a volunteer challenges you to sort mail, deciding which letters will be delivered and which would be sent to the Dead Letter Office. Complete the challenge and leave with a prize! Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Moving the Mail Atrium. Cost: Free. Categories: Demonstrations. Gallery Talks & Tours. Kids & Families. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Tuesday, November 10, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

Routes to a Nation Gallery Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities How did a collection of scattered colonies become a nation? Join one of the National Postal Museum's curators for a gallery tour exploring the communication networks that connected Americans during the colonial period and early republic.  Learn about Benjamin Franklin's nearly forty-year postal career; how American revolutionaries challenged the royal postal system and established their own; and how merchants used transatlantic correspondence to participate in global commerce.  Based on the new NPM book, Routes to a Nation, recently published by Smithsonian Books, this interactive tour highlights objects that reveal how mail shaped commerce, government, culture, and national identity.  This 45-minute guided tour includes time for questions and discussion. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Tuesday, November 10, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: FREE. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Wednesday, November 11, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Thursday, November 12, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Thursday, November 12, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Story Time

Ongoing Tours & Activities Stamp your calendar for Story Time! Join us every week for a fresh story, a stroll through the Museum, hands-on postal play, and more. Together, we’ll explore mail and all the ways it connects us to people, places, and big ideas.     Stop by anytime—whether you stay for one activity or the whole session, this program will get everyone’s “stamp of approval”.   Meet in the Museum Lobby.  If there are services or accommodations that can improve your experience (e.g. ASL interpretation, etc.), please contact NPMprograms@si.edu; 1–2 week’s advance notice is recommended but not required. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Meet in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free ; no registration required. Categories: Kids & Families. Friday, November 13, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Friday, November 13, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Assisted listening devices. Friday, November 13, 2026, 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45-minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Sunday, November 15, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Routes to a Nation Gallery Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities How did a collection of scattered colonies become a nation? Join one of the National Postal Museum's curators for a gallery tour exploring the communication networks that connected Americans during the colonial period and early republic.  Learn about Benjamin Franklin's nearly forty-year postal career; how American revolutionaries challenged the royal postal system and established their own; and how merchants used transatlantic correspondence to participate in global commerce.  Based on the new NPM book, Routes to a Nation, recently published by Smithsonian Books, this interactive tour highlights objects that reveal how mail shaped commerce, government, culture, and national identity.  This 45-minute guided tour includes time for questions and discussion. Presenters:  Lynn Heidelbaugh, Alison Bazylinski, Daniel Piazza (rotating). Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Sunday, November 15, 2026, 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM.

Virtual Story Time

Ongoing Tours & Activities Join educators from the National Postal Museum for live, interactive story time. Designed for children ages 4-7, but all are welcome! Mondays at 11:00 (ET) National Postal Museum educators will read stories aloud and lead related activities in a Zoom meeting for children and their caregivers. Explore a range of postal-related topics and more! Sessions will be interactive and last approximately 45-60 minutes. Caregivers are expected to be present with children for the duration of the program. Event Location: Online Only. Online Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/story-time-with-the-national-postal-museum-registration-141338917507. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/story-time-with-the-national-postal-museum-registration-141338917507. Categories: Kids & Families. Webcasts & Online. Monday, November 16, 2026, 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information  Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Monday, November 16, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information  Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Monday, November 16, 2026, 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM.

Highlights Tour with the Postal Museum’s Director or Deputy Director

Ongoing Tours & Activities On this extra special tour with the Postal Museum’s Director or Deputy Director, explore the wonders of our museum like never before! Meet at the Information  Desk for an exclusive 45-minute tour. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: FREE. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Tuesday, November 17, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Research Conversations: The Post Office and the Rise of Photography with Natalie Pellolio

One-Time Events Since the early decades of photography, practitioners have relied on a growing international postal system to send photographs, materials, and information about technological developments to recipients near and far. The official announcement of the invention of photography in 1839 occurred just six years before the landmark Postal Act of 1845, in which the United States Congress reduced postage rates to allow the mail to be, for the first time, an affordable form of communication for most Americans. Central to the history of photography though rarely discussed within it, the mail facilitated the production of photographs and proved a key agent in the evolution of the photograph from a singular and costly object to a reproducible and disseminable image.    Natalie Pellolio is a Visiting Professor in the History of Art and Visual Culture department at California College of the Arts. She received her B.A. in Art History at Reed College in 2009 and her Ph.D. in Art & Art History at Stanford University in 2018. Sh… Event Location: ZOOM. Cost: The event is free but registration is required. Get Tickets/Register: https://postalmuseum.si.edu/research-conversations-the-post-office-and-the-rise-of-photography-with-natalie-pellolio. Categories: Lectures & Discussions. Accessibility: Captioning. Tuesday, November 17, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: FREE. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45-minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Assisted listening devices. Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM. For more info visit maps.google.com.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Thursday, November 19, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Thursday, November 19, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Story Time

Ongoing Tours & Activities Stamp your calendar for Story Time! Join us every week for a fresh story, a stroll through the Museum, hands-on postal play, and more. Together, we’ll explore mail and all the ways it connects us to people, places, and big ideas.     Stop by anytime—whether you stay for one activity or the whole session, this program will get everyone’s “stamp of approval”.   Meet in the Museum Lobby.  If there are services or accommodations that can improve your experience (e.g. ASL interpretation, etc.), please contact NPMprograms@si.edu; 1–2 week’s advance notice is recommended but not required. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Meet in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free ; no registration required. Categories: Kids & Families. Friday, November 20, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Friday, November 20, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Assisted listening devices. Friday, November 20, 2026, 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information  Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Sunday, November 22, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information  Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Monday, November 23, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information  Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Monday, November 23, 2026, 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM.

Dead Letter Office: Gallery Experience

Ongoing Tours & Activities Could you be a postal clerk? In this activity, a volunteer challenges you to sort mail, deciding which letters will be delivered and which would be sent to the Dead Letter Office. Complete the challenge and leave with a prize! Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Moving the Mail Atrium. Cost: Free. Categories: Demonstrations. Gallery Talks & Tours. Kids & Families. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Tuesday, November 24, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: FREE. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Wednesday, November 25, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Thursday, November 26, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Thursday, November 26, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Story Time

Ongoing Tours & Activities Stamp your calendar for Story Time! Join us every week for a fresh story, a stroll through the Museum, hands-on postal play, and more. Together, we’ll explore mail and all the ways it connects us to people, places, and big ideas.     Stop by anytime—whether you stay for one activity or the whole session, this program will get everyone’s “stamp of approval”.   Meet in the Museum Lobby.  If there are services or accommodations that can improve your experience (e.g. ASL interpretation, etc.), please contact NPMprograms@si.edu; 1–2 week’s advance notice is recommended but not required. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Meet in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free ; no registration required. Categories: Kids & Families. Friday, November 27, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Friday, November 27, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Assisted listening devices. Friday, November 27, 2026, 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45-minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Sunday, November 29, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Virtual Story Time

Ongoing Tours & Activities Join educators from the National Postal Museum for live, interactive story time. Designed for children ages 4-7, but all are welcome! Mondays at 11:00 (ET) National Postal Museum educators will read stories aloud and lead related activities in a Zoom meeting for children and their caregivers. Explore a range of postal-related topics and more! Sessions will be interactive and last approximately 45-60 minutes. Caregivers are expected to be present with children for the duration of the program. Event Location: Online Only. Online Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/story-time-with-the-national-postal-museum-registration-141338917507. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/story-time-with-the-national-postal-museum-registration-141338917507. Categories: Kids & Families. Webcasts & Online. Monday, November 30, 2026, 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information  Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Monday, November 30, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information  Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Monday, November 30, 2026, 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: FREE. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45-minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Assisted listening devices. Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM. For more info visit maps.google.com.

“Representations of America: USPS Art Directors on Stamp Design” - 23rd Maynard Sundman Lecture

One-Time Events What can we learn about America – its cultures, history, landscapes, treasures – from its postage stamps? What are the challenges and joys specific to designing postal materials? Join us in person or online as we discuss these questions, the stamps celebrating the country’s 250th anniversary, and more with USPS Art Directors Antonio Alcalá Greg Breeding, and Ethel Kessler. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Discovery Center (lower level) and on Zoom. Cost: The event is free but registration is required. Get Tickets/Register: https://postalmuseum.si.edu/maynard-sundman-lecture-series. Categories: Lectures & Discussions. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Captioning. Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM. For more info visit postalmuseum.si.edu.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Thursday, December 3, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Thursday, December 3, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Story Time

Ongoing Tours & Activities Stamp your calendar for Story Time! Join us every week for a fresh story, a stroll through the Museum, hands-on postal play, and more. Together, we’ll explore mail and all the ways it connects us to people, places, and big ideas.     Stop by anytime—whether you stay for one activity or the whole session, this program will get everyone’s “stamp of approval”.   Meet in the Museum Lobby.  If there are services or accommodations that can improve your experience (e.g. ASL interpretation, etc.), please contact NPMprograms@si.edu; 1–2 week’s advance notice is recommended but not required. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Meet in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free ; no registration required. Categories: Kids & Families. Friday, December 4, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Friday, December 4, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Assisted listening devices. Friday, December 4, 2026, 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information  Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: FREE. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Saturday, December 5, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information  Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Sunday, December 6, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information  Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Monday, December 7, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information  Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Monday, December 7, 2026, 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM.

Dead Letter Office: Gallery Experience

Ongoing Tours & Activities Could you be a postal clerk? In this activity, a volunteer challenges you to sort mail, deciding which letters will be delivered and which would be sent to the Dead Letter Office. Complete the challenge and leave with a prize! Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Moving the Mail Atrium. Cost: Free. Categories: Demonstrations. Gallery Talks & Tours. Kids & Families. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Tuesday, December 8, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

Routes to a Nation Gallery Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities How did a collection of scattered colonies become a nation? Join one of the National Postal Museum's curators for a gallery tour exploring the communication networks that connected Americans during the colonial period and early republic.  Learn about Benjamin Franklin's nearly forty-year postal career; how American revolutionaries challenged the royal postal system and established their own; and how merchants used transatlantic correspondence to participate in global commerce.  Based on the new NPM book, Routes to a Nation, recently published by Smithsonian Books, this interactive tour highlights objects that reveal how mail shaped commerce, government, culture, and national identity.  This 45-minute guided tour includes time for questions and discussion. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Tuesday, December 8, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: FREE. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

The Fourteenth Winton M. Blount Postal History Symposium - Revisiting American Postal History

One-Time Events 2026 marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. To mark the occasion, the Fourteenth Blount Postal History Symposium will reexamine key developments and stories of over two hundred and fifty years of American postal history and consider lesser-known stories and new lines of inquiry. Sponsored by American Philatelic Society, American Philatelic Research Library, and the Smithsonian National Postal Museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: National Postal Museum - Discovery Center. Cost: Free, but registration is required. Registration will open in August. Categories: Lectures & Discussions. Workshops. Thursday, December 10, 2026 – Friday, December 11, 2026. For more info visit postalmuseum.si.edu.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Thursday, December 10, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Story Time

Ongoing Tours & Activities Stamp your calendar for Story Time! Join us every week for a fresh story, a stroll through the Museum, hands-on postal play, and more. Together, we’ll explore mail and all the ways it connects us to people, places, and big ideas.     Stop by anytime—whether you stay for one activity or the whole session, this program will get everyone’s “stamp of approval”.   Meet in the Museum Lobby.  If there are services or accommodations that can improve your experience (e.g. ASL interpretation, etc.), please contact NPMprograms@si.edu; 1–2 week’s advance notice is recommended but not required. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Meet in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free ; no registration required. Categories: Kids & Families. Friday, December 11, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Friday, December 11, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Assisted listening devices. Friday, December 11, 2026, 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information  Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: FREE. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Saturday, December 12, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45-minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Sunday, December 13, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Virtual Story Time

Ongoing Tours & Activities Join educators from the National Postal Museum for live, interactive story time. Designed for children ages 4-7, but all are welcome! Mondays at 11:00 (ET) National Postal Museum educators will read stories aloud and lead related activities in a Zoom meeting for children and their caregivers. Explore a range of postal-related topics and more! Sessions will be interactive and last approximately 45-60 minutes. Caregivers are expected to be present with children for the duration of the program. Event Location: Online Only. Online Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/story-time-with-the-national-postal-museum-registration-141338917507. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/story-time-with-the-national-postal-museum-registration-141338917507. Categories: Kids & Families. Webcasts & Online. Monday, December 14, 2026, 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information  Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Monday, December 14, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information  Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Monday, December 14, 2026, 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM.

Highlights Tour with the Postal Museum’s Director or Deputy Director

Ongoing Tours & Activities On this extra special tour with the Postal Museum’s Director or Deputy Director, explore the wonders of our museum like never before! Meet at the Information  Desk for an exclusive 45-minute tour. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: FREE. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: FREE. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45-minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Assisted listening devices. Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM. For more info visit maps.google.com.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Thursday, December 17, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Story Time

Ongoing Tours & Activities Stamp your calendar for Story Time! Join us every week for a fresh story, a stroll through the Museum, hands-on postal play, and more. Together, we’ll explore mail and all the ways it connects us to people, places, and big ideas.     Stop by anytime—whether you stay for one activity or the whole session, this program will get everyone’s “stamp of approval”.   Meet in the Museum Lobby.  If there are services or accommodations that can improve your experience (e.g. ASL interpretation, etc.), please contact NPMprograms@si.edu; 1–2 week’s advance notice is recommended but not required. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Meet in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free ; no registration required. Categories: Kids & Families. Friday, December 18, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Friday, December 18, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Assisted listening devices. Friday, December 18, 2026, 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information  Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: FREE. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Saturday, December 19, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information  Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Sunday, December 20, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Routes to a Nation Gallery Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities How did a collection of scattered colonies become a nation? Join one of the National Postal Museum's curators for a gallery tour exploring the communication networks that connected Americans during the colonial period and early republic.  Learn about Benjamin Franklin's nearly forty-year postal career; how American revolutionaries challenged the royal postal system and established their own; and how merchants used transatlantic correspondence to participate in global commerce.  Based on the new NPM book, Routes to a Nation, recently published by Smithsonian Books, this interactive tour highlights objects that reveal how mail shaped commerce, government, culture, and national identity.  This 45-minute guided tour includes time for questions and discussion. Presenters:  Lynn Heidelbaugh, Alison Bazylinski, Daniel Piazza (rotating). Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Sunday, December 20, 2026, 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information  Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Monday, December 21, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information  Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Monday, December 21, 2026, 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM.

Dead Letter Office: Gallery Experience

Ongoing Tours & Activities Could you be a postal clerk? In this activity, a volunteer challenges you to sort mail, deciding which letters will be delivered and which would be sent to the Dead Letter Office. Complete the challenge and leave with a prize! Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Moving the Mail Atrium. Cost: Free. Categories: Demonstrations. Gallery Talks & Tours. Kids & Families. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Tuesday, December 22, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: FREE. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Wednesday, December 23, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Thursday, December 24, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information  Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: FREE. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Saturday, December 26, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45-minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Sunday, December 27, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Virtual Story Time

Ongoing Tours & Activities Join educators from the National Postal Museum for live, interactive story time. Designed for children ages 4-7, but all are welcome! Mondays at 11:00 (ET) National Postal Museum educators will read stories aloud and lead related activities in a Zoom meeting for children and their caregivers. Explore a range of postal-related topics and more! Sessions will be interactive and last approximately 45-60 minutes. Caregivers are expected to be present with children for the duration of the program. Event Location: Online Only. Online Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/story-time-with-the-national-postal-museum-registration-141338917507. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/story-time-with-the-national-postal-museum-registration-141338917507. Categories: Kids & Families. Webcasts & Online. Monday, December 28, 2026, 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information  Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Monday, December 28, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information  Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Monday, December 28, 2026, 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: FREE. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Wednesday, December 30, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45-minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Assisted listening devices. Wednesday, December 30, 2026, 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM. For more info visit maps.google.com.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Thursday, December 31, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Friday, January 1, 2027, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Assisted listening devices. Friday, January 1, 2027, 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information  Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: FREE. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Saturday, January 2, 2027, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information  Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Sunday, January 3, 2027, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information  Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Monday, January 4, 2027, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information  Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Monday, January 4, 2027, 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM.

Dead Letter Office: Gallery Experience

Ongoing Tours & Activities Could you be a postal clerk? In this activity, a volunteer challenges you to sort mail, deciding which letters will be delivered and which would be sent to the Dead Letter Office. Complete the challenge and leave with a prize! Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Moving the Mail Atrium. Cost: Free. Categories: Demonstrations. Gallery Talks & Tours. Kids & Families. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Tuesday, January 5, 2027, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: FREE. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Wednesday, January 6, 2027, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly volunteer at the Information Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Starts at the Information Desk in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Thursday, January 7, 2027, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.