The American First Day Cover Society has made an additional $5,000 contribution to Boston 2026, bringing their total donation to date to $10,000, raising them 
to "Boston 2026 Early Bird" status.
With over 1,100 members, the AFDCS is the third-largest philatelic organization in the United States and the largest catering to first day collectors around the world. The organization is a co-sponsor of the Great American Stamp Show along with the American Philatelic Society and American Topical Association, where it hosts its annual Americover exhibition and convention.
Their latest gift was approved by the AFDCS Board during the GASS show in August and sent to Boston 2026 officials shortly thereafter by Executive Secretary Debra Gibson, commenting that many of their members will be attending the event and are looking forward to all that the exhibition and Boston area have to offer.
"We plan a strong presence at Boston 2026, with meetings, seminars and a booth," said AFDCS president Lloyd A. de Vries. "With as many as half a dozen U.S. issues being released at Boston 2026, those eight days will be an exciting time for first day cover collectors."
The AFDCS has many active chapters. Some are regional affiliates, like the Rochester Philatelic Association, while others are specialist groups, including the National Duck Stamp Collectors Society and Maximum Card Study Unit.
While FDC collecting and exhibiting has a strong following in North America, the international philatelic community is still discovering the enjoyment of this facet of the hobby. First day cover exhibiting is being featured at Boston 2026 as a Fédération Internationale de Philatélie experimental class. This exposure can further grow interest in first day covers around the world.
Annual membership in the American First Day Cover Society is $35 for collectors in the US and $100 for non-US residents, who may instead opt for online delivery of the organization’s bimonthly journal First Days for $24 instead. See details here.
Boston 2026 World Expo takes place May 23-30, 2026, at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. Full show details may be found at Boston2026.org and on Twitter and Facebook. Sign up to be added to the Boston 2026 email list and receive updates when available.
