Scott English Visit to Springfield Stamp Club

Scott English, Executive Director of the American Philatelic Society (APS) and his wife Kendra attended the May 15, 2024 meeting of the Springfield Stamp Club.  Thirty-two members were in attendance to hear Scott’s presentation about the future direction of APS (click to view slides).  The primary focus for APS going forward will be on accessibility of APS programs to members anytime and anywhere, which means online content, courses, and continued digitization of the myriad journals in the American Philatelic Research Library.  The goal is to attract younger collectors 25 – 55.   Through several bequests APS has funding to begin creating online educational programs for beginning collectors.  Additionally, APS will be working to strengthen relationships with its chapters and affiliates.  Scott also said that APS plans to replace its current website within a year. 

After the presentation Scott participated in a lengthy question and answer session with attendees with many questions focused on the age group APS is targeting, nature of the online content, and the future of the dealers and shows.

To commemorate Scott’s visit, Springfield Stamp Club President, Jack Ginsburg, created a special cover for attendees that featured a cachet of Scott.  The postage was partially paid by a Simpsons stamp as they live in a fictional Springfield and was postmarked May 15, 2024 at the Springfield, VA post office.  Scott graciously signed the covers for attendees.

The next day Scott posted the following on X (formerly Twitter) about his visit, “A very engaged and active crowd.  We thoroughly enjoyed the visit.  Thank you for the amazing hospitality and the very cool cover!”

 
The Springfield Stamp Club wishes to express its thanks to Scott for the visit and to welcome him back anytime in the future.