FDR’s Stamp Collection: A Childhood Hobby He Took to the Oval Office
Curator Cheryl Ganz explains Roosevelt’s motives in this video
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt had a passion for stamp collecting, a hobby he had cherished since childhood. A new exhibition at the Smithsonian's National Postal Museum highlights his philatelic interests, and provides rare insight into the behind-the-scenes workings of his administration.
During his administration, Roosevelt played a critical role in much of the creation, design and promotion of some 200 stamps released during his time in office (1933-1945).
Whether celebrating Mother’s Day, Arctic exploration, National Parks or New Deal programs, FDR believed three cents of postage (the going rate back then) could deliver more than just a letter. Curator Cheryl Ganz explains FDR's motives in the video above.