The Brown University Library and the Rhode Island Philatelic Society invite you to celebrate the Society’s 125 years of charted activity on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at two events taking place at the John Hay Library at Brown University. The American Philatelic Society recognizes RIPS as the oldest continuously running philatelic society in America.

Join us in the foyer of the John Hay Library from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm where the RIPS will host a temporary U.S. postal station. A special commemorative cancellation and cover will be available for purchase.

From 7:00-9:00 pm that evening, there will be a reception on the third floor of the John Hay Library where a major portion of the University’s extensive philatelic collection will be on display. Members of the RIPS will be available to answer questions about the collection, and a small exhibit on stamps and the society’s history will also be on view.

For over 30 years, members of the Rhode Island Philatelic Society have volunteered to catalogue, update and prepare exhibits for several world class philatelic collections given to the University by alumni. The plate block, revenue and error collection of Webster Knight, the George S. Champlin international collection and the Peltz and Morriss collections of special delivery stamps each offer great research potential for local collectors. This close bond between Brown University and the RIPS made the John Hay Library a natural choice for both entities to celebrate this 125 year legacy.

For more information, contact Jane Cabral at 401.863.2163 or FOL@brown.edu, or Chester Browning, President of the R. I. Philatelic Society at 401.821.8658 or cbrowning4@cox.net