PaPHS’s flagship journal wins Gold at GASS 2025
We are proud to announce that the Historian, the quarterly journal of the Pennsylvania Postal History Society (PaPHS), has earned a Gold Medal in the Journal/Periodical category at the 2025 Great American Stamp Show (GASS), held August 14–17 in Schaumburg, Illinois. Hosted by the American Philatelic Society (APS), GASS is the nation’s premier event for stamp collectors and postal historians.
PaPHS entered its four issues from 2024 of the Historian into the national philatelic literature competition. Earning an impressive 86 out of 100 points.
PaPHS is placed among the top tier of specialty publications in Postal History. This award recognizes excellence in research, presentation, and contribution to the hobby, reaffirming the Historian’s role as an important resource for Pennsylvania postal history collectors and scholars.
Hal Klein, the new editor of the Historian, won the Gold Medal in his first year, marking a significant milestone. Hal has been quick to credit PaPHS members whose research and writing filled the pages of the journal. Emphasizing the award reflects a collective effort. His leadership and dedication have elevated the journal’s voice. This recognition highlights the strength of the PaPHS community.
For many PaPHS members, Historian is more than a journal – it’s their primary connection to the Society, fellow members, and Pennsylvania’s postal history. The journal serves as a vital platform for sharing research, discoveries, and common interests. Building a sense of community among members who might otherwise feel isolated in their pursuits. Providing a space to exchange knowledge, educate enthusiasts, and celebrate the passion that unites us. Each issue showcases the curiosity and dedication of our members. Helping to preserve and illuminate stories from Pennsylvania’s postal history.
Historian is distributed to PaPHS members with an active subscription to the Society, serving as a key engagement tool. PaPHS Directors also have copies for outreach at stamp shows and events, where they can introduce the Society’s work. Starting with the next issue, Historian will feature a Gold Medal banner on its cover, highlighting the newly acquired award status. This distinction makes the journal a valuable source of knowledge and an invitation to join a community of passionate historians and collectors.
This recognition embodies the mission of PaPHS:
to promote and preserve postal history through research, education, and collaboration.
Historian stands at the heart of that mission by connecting members, sharing discoveries, and inspiring a deeper understanding of our state’s rich postal legacy. For many collectors, stamp collecting begins as a solitary pursuit, eventually discovering the hobby flourishes through community. A gold medal-winning journal like the Historian acts as a powerful “hook.” Introducing new collectors to the Society, encouraging membership, sustaining the cycle of knowledge and research. Enriching our shared understanding of Pennsylvania postal history, from the times of William Penn to today.
We invite you to explore the Historian, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and join our growing community dedicated to preserving the stories behind postal history. Join PaPHS today and help us carry this heritage forward.
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