United States Stamp Society

Last month, Executive Secretary David Lee reported on the membership vote to change the name of our organization from the Bureau Issues Association to the United States Stamp Society. By an almost a 5 to 1 majority the members agreed that this new name would best represent our ongoing research and study of the development, production and use of United States postage and revenue stamps. We hope our new name will make us more visible in attracting the attention and interest of many more collectors. While the name might suggest a new direction, we will never shed our close association with the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, nor do we wish to. By building upon a great philatelic heritage and recognizing the changing world of stamp production practices, we hope to become more valuable to all those interested in United States Stamps. The Board will be taking the necessary steps to carry out the name change, which will officially take place at our Annual Meeting in June at Tysons Corner, VA (Washington, DC area) at the NAPEX 2000 stamp show.

Since the January issue of  The Specialist, we have been treated to Barbara Mueller's "Three Score and Ten Years of the BIA - A Remembrance," a series of articles on the background and history of our organization. This year we celebrate our 70th Anniversary and Barbara has been taking us on a journey so that, as she wrote, "we can appreciate what has been done and gain guidance for what still lies ahead."

I urge all members to support the work of your Board of Governors, Committee Chairpersons and Editor. Under their stewardship we continue work together to produce the finest in U.S. philatelic research published monthly in  The United States Specialist. The names of all these volunteers are listed every month in the journal. If you are interested in working or learning with any committee, or starting a new study group, please contact the appropriate Chairperson or our Executive Secretary. If you plan to be at a stamp show where the USSS will be represented, volunteer a little time at the table.

I would also ask, as you read your copy of  The Specialist, make note of those who financially support the journal through advertisements. You are no doubt aware that  The Specialist's production and mailing costs are not covered by our membership dues. In addition to generous contributions from members, we rely on our advertisers to help defray our expenses. Support our advertisers and let them know you appreciate their participation.

In this issue and over the next few months you will be reading about our exciting plans to celebrate the Society's 70th Anniversary. We hope you will be able to join the Board of Governors at NAPEX.

- Roger S. Brody
Chairman