Boston 2026 World Stamp Show Forever Stamp
In May 2026, Boston, Massachusetts, will become the center of the global philatelic community as it hosts the Boston 2026 World Expo, the 12th international stamp exhibition held in the United States. To commemorate this once-in-a-decade event, the U.S. Postal Service has issued a pair of stamps celebrating Boston??s historic significance during the American Revolution as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.
The two stamps feature digitally created illustrations rendered in an intaglio printing style, designed to evoke the appearance of classic engraved stamps from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Through this traditional-inspired approach, the designs connect modern stamp art with the rich history of American postage.
One stamp portrays Boston??s Old North Church as it appeared during the Revolutionary era. As the oldest surviving church building in Boston, the landmark played a defining role in one of the most famous moments leading up to the nation??s struggle for independence.
The second stamp depicts a colonial-era rider traveling through the night on horseback, carrying a lantern to guide his way. This image represents the courageous messengers who helped spread the warning that British forces were advancing toward colonial communities.
On the night of April 18, 1775, the Old North Church became permanently associated with the American Revolution when two lanterns displayed from its bell tower delivered a secret signal: British troops were moving across the Charles River and heading toward Concord, Massachusetts, where colonial forces were believed to have stored military supplies. The warning set a chain of events in motion that led to the battles of Lexington and Concord the following day, marking the beginning of the Revolutionary War.
The most famous figure connected to this midnight mission is Boston silversmith Paul Revere, whose ride became a lasting symbol of American independence. Other individuals believed to have participated in the warning effort include Dr. Samuel Prescott of Concord and Boston tanner William Dawes, both of whom helped spread the alarm throughout the countryside.
The stamp artwork was created by artist Dan Gretta, with Greg Breeding serving as art director for the project.
The Boston 2026 World Expo commemorative stamps are issued as Forever? stamps, meaning they will always retain the same value as the current First-Class Mail? one-ounce postage rate.
