HARTFORD, CT — In cooperation with the American Philatelic Society, a dedication ceremony for the Autumn Colors stamps was held today at the Great American Stamp Show in Hartford, CT. The stamps showcase the wonderful splendor of nature’s annual color change.
The 10 stamps feature images by renowned nature and garden photographer Allen Rokach (1941-2021), who often used the so-called “Rokach effect,” a technique that gives photographs an impressionistic touch.
“Every year, millions of Americans enjoy the beauty of autumn leaves changing from coast to coast. Thanks to the talent of photographer Allen Rokach, these stamps allow us to preserve and share one of nature’s most amazing paintings year-round,” said Scott English, executive director of the American Philatelic Society.
Heather Dyer, the USPS’s chief information security officer, who spoke at the event, said the stamps will add the beauty of fall to customers’ letters.
“Growing up in Maine, I loved the season of leaf change and the bright colors that symbolize the changing of the seasons. As summer comes to an end, I love watching the trees in our mountains, forests and backyards turn into the rich reds, purples, yellows and oranges that make fall so special,” she said.
Other speakers included Emmy Award-winning television host Richard Wiese, President Emeritus of the Explorers Club, who said, “Stamps adorned with the rich colors of fall leaves are a perfect tribute to the splendor of the season. They remind us of nature’s murals, capture moments of change and reflection, and create a deep emotional connection. These stamps are not just pieces of paper; they are little masterpieces that remind us of the simple yet profound joys that fall brings to our lives.”
The sheet of 20 Fall Colors stamps features a portfolio of brilliant photographs taken in various locations across the United States. In addition to the classic fall colors of orange, red and yellow, the photographs show flashes of vermilion, ochre, violet and cobalt in various landscapes.
There are many beautiful places in the United States to experience the wonders of fall color. New England attracts millions of visitors each year because the weather conditions provide optimal conditions for the palette of intense colors that are so characteristic of this region. The fall leaves along the Blue Ridge Parkway and Maryland’s Eastern Shore follow the pattern of their leafy relatives in the Northeast, but begin blooming later in some areas depending on elevation.
Other places with spectacular fall colors include Aspen, Colorado, named for the golden aspen trees that surround this Rocky Mountain town; Taos, New Mexico, and the surrounding desert; the Great Smoky Mountains; and the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon.
Ethel Kessler, art director of the USPS, designed the stamps using Rokach’s photographs.
The Autumn Colors stamps will be issued as Forever stamps in sheets of 20. The value of these Forever stamps will always be the current First Class Mail price for 1 ounce. News about the Autumn Colors stamps will be shared using the hashtag #AutumnColorsStamp.
Postal products
Customers can purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal business at usps.com/shopstampsby phone at 844-737-7826, by mail at USA Philately or at post offices across the country. For officially licensed stamp products, purchase Officially licensed USPS collection on AmazonFor more information about stamps, first issue ceremonies and stamp-inspired products, visit StampsForever.com.
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