Buy a Stamp, Write a Postcard, Send a Memory

Visiting Post Offices

old mail truck at the National Postal Museum in Washington, D.C. — Some travelers send postcards to themselves so they’ll have a memento of a visit–and know when family and friends receive the postcards they sent. Here, an early mail truck on display at the National Postal Museum in Washington, D.C.
Photo credit: M. Ciavardini

On Feb. 20, 1792, George Washington signed a bill establishing the U.S. Post Office. Still going strong after 223 years despite wind, sleet, snow, email, the U.S. Postal Service is worth a visit. We all love to complain about it—snail mail, no mail, slow service—but who doesn’t love receiving a Valentine or a Christmas card? I am still impressed that letters were even delivered in colonial times, by horse, by carriage.

Visiting somewhere new? Write a postcard, buy a stamp, visit a post office.

—Lori Tripoli