Exhibiting 101:

A philatelic exhibition is an exhibition of stamps and/or postal history where stamp collectors (philatelists) compete for medals and other special awards. The displays are shown in glass frames, and the exhibition is normally accompanied by stamp dealer bourses and post office stands where stamps and other philatelic items may be purchased.

Many philatelic exhibitions are regular events, held annually or at some other frequency and they are important events in the philatelic calendar. Each year the Regional Exposition Exhibit winners are invited to attend the National Championship.

Exhibits are shown in different classes. Not all classes are shown at every exhibition as exhibits and jurors may not be available. Normally the classes are similar to these:

• Aerophilately
• Astrophilately
• Fight against Forgeries
• Maximaphily
• Philatelic literature
• Postal history
• Postal stationery
• Thematic philately
• Traditional philately
• Revenues
• Youth philately

Source: Wikipedia

St. Louisians “Grand” Exhibitors

The highest level awarded to an exhibit is Grand. The St. Louis area is fortunate to have many philatelist that have been awarded this high honor. Gary Hendren has been awarded the Grand for his multi-frame “St. Louis Street Car Mail” exhibit and has twice won the Grand for his single-frame “St. Louis Pioneer Air Mail” exhibit. As he has said, “Not too bad for this old farmer.” Others local philatelists that have been awarded Grand are Henrich Heissinger, Bob Hohertz, Jim Hunt, Elizabeth Nettles, Mike Peter, David Straight, and Scott Ward.   

Do you have a unique story you want to tell? Then exhibiting might be for you. An exhibit has to have a good beginning, a strong middle, and a solid ending. 

Exhibit are presented in frames. An exhibit can be from 1 to 10 frames. Each fame contains 16 pages on which you tell your story.

Getting Started

One of the best ways to begin to Exhibit is to join a study group such as the St. Louis Bears – Philatelic Exhibitors or use on-line resources provided by the American Association of Philatelic Exhibitors

• St. Louis Bears ~ Philatelic Exhibitors
• American Association of Philatelic Exhibitors

Secondly, reach out to other exhibitors

• Alan Barasch
• Nathan Esbeck
• Gary Hendren
• Marcus Meyerotto
• Thomas Minor
• Phillip Schorr
• Jerry Schultz

Then decide on what you want to exhibit, your story. This should be something that you have a unique interest in and the ability to capture enough philatelic examples to build a successful exhibit.