Washington 2006
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Official Mission Statement
WASHINGTON 2006 will host a World Philatelic Exhibition from May 27 to June 3, 2006, in the prestigious new Washington, D.C. Convention Center. For stamp collectors an exhibition of this magnitude could best be equated to a combination World Series, Super Bowl and World Cup Competition and it is convened in the United States only once every 10 years.
Held under the patronage of the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP), which represents more than 75 national stamp collecting organizations worldwide, the exhibition will feature a spectacular array of 3,800 display frames containing 60,000 pages from the stamp albums of the world's finest philatelic collections sent by collectors from over 50 countries.
Washington 2006 will additionally host a competitive exhibition of Philatelic Literature and present an exceptional 500-frame Court of Honor.
Philately, the collection and study of postage stamps and related items, is a hobby that crosses all economic boundaries. It is a hobby that transcends age groups and social status, a passion for kids and adults, the pastime of commoners and kings. It is a rich and vibrant part of the cultural heritage of the world as stamps enable communications between people across countries, continents and oceans.
Washington 2006 will also include an international bourse of over 200 dealers in philatelic materials, national and overseas Postal Administrations, the Smithsonian Institution's National Postal Museum, and other government agencies. In addition, because of the crossover among hobbyists, dealers in ephemera, autographs and manuscripts also are on the bourse, Both the U.S. Postal Service and the U.S. Mint also will play major roles. The exhibition is expected to include daily theme postmarks, special stamp releases and first day ceremonies. Many national and international philatelic societies will conduct meetings, workshops and conventions during the exhibition.
An Educational Centerpiece
Washington 2006 will use this exhibition as an educational centerpiece to expand an interest in stamp collecting throughout the Americas. Programs will be developed to bring the art and history of philately to new audiences with a special emphasis on school age children, special tours, visiting experts and an interactive website.
Collections are as diverse as the imagination of collectors and may range from the postal history of the South during the Civil War to the carriage of mail by the famous Pony Express. From the flora and fauna of North America to mail carried by steamships on the Mississippi, history and art are captured in real documents that were part of the daily fabric of an earlier time. Postal history elevates the ordinary to the exceptional when viewed through the microscope of time.
Washington 2006 is a 501(c)(3), tax exempt organization, operating under the auspices of the 50,000 member American Philatelic Society and the support of the United States Postal Service and the American Stamp Dealers Association. In order to expand the educational and outreach programs of the organization we seek to raise $450,000 in tax deductible contributions.
All stamp collectors are invited to join, setting their own dues based on the level of financial support they are able to provide, their interest in philately and their desire to make Washington 2006 an outstanding exhibition. Special benefits will be provided to members of the Founders Cabinet and Organizers Club. To learn more about memberships and donations, click here.
Official Show Information
Overview
- 8 days of philatelic adventuring
- Organized by Washington Philatelic Exhibition, Inc.
- Under the auspices of the American Philatelic Society
- With the support of the American Stamp Dealers Association
- With the patronage of the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie
- With the support of the United States Postal Service
- 3,800 frames of competitive exhibits by collectors from around the world
- 500-frame "Court of Honor," including the world's rarest philatelic items
- Literature competition
Slogan
“Stamps – and so much more” Discover the city's culture while Celebrating philately
- Themes Role of the Post Office in Uniting the Country
- Children—They Are the Future
- Moving the Mail in the 21st Century
Dates and Times
Saturday, May 27 through Saturday, June 3, 2006 Memorial Day weekend is on the show's opening two days. Opening ceremony is 10:00 AM Saturday, May 27, 2006 Show hours: Opening Day, Saturday, May 27- 10:30 AM to 6 PM Friday, June 2- 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM All other days- 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Free Admission
Free Admission, but badges required. Pre-registration is suggested to save time at the Convention Center. Register Now so that your badge will be waiting for you on arrival. Badges will be available the Friday before the show opens (May 26) for pre-registrants.
The Convention Center
(View the floor plan in format.) WASHINGTON 2006 will take place at the new Washington, DC Convention Center. Now completed, it is in the heart of DC, bordered by 7th Street, N Street, 9th Street, and Mt. Vernon Place, minutes from the White House and U.S. Capitol. Take a look at the web site of the DC Convention Center.
Educational Opportunities
Come learn about the hobby of stamp collecting! Youth and beginner programs will be offered to all, with more advanced courses and seminars as well.
Events
Meetings and conventions of many national and international philatelic societies will take place. Special stamp releases and first day ceremonies are planned, along with daily theme postmarks. Show-goers and spouses will be treated to a variety of social events and tourist sites. A show schedule will appear when available.
Transportation
Washington, DC is easy to get to by car, air, or rail. It is within a day's drive of much of the US east and midwest. See our Transportation page.
Accommodations
The show committee has arranged hotels that offer special show rates for advance reservations many within walking distance to the convention center. Every taste and budget was considered. A list of available rooms and rates with online hotel reservation is now ready here.
Tourist Information
Check out our listing of area attractions.
