$node.absurl

$node.contribution("Title")

$node.absurl

Posted January 28, 2005.

Postage Stamp to Honor Presidential Libraries

The U.S. Postal Service will issue a 37-cent commemorative postage stamp to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Presidential Libraries Act of 1955. All 12 presidential libraries and museums will host first-day-of-issue dedication ceremonies August 4. The stamp, designed by Howard E. Paine, depicts the presidential seal reproduced in gold against a cream-colored background.

“Presidential libraries, as democratic institutions, are critical to an open society in that they allow Americans access to papers and other materials not available through traditional libraries,” said Postmaster General John E. Potter.

The 1955 act enabled presidents to donate their materials to the federal government for preservation and public access. In 1978, the Presidential Records Act established the public ownership of all presidential papers and put them in the custody and control of the U.S. Archivist.

Posted January 28, 2005.