Philatelic Research and Writing with Gini Horn and Bill Welch
October 24 & 25, 2008 at the American Philatelic Center

A course on Philatelic Research and Writing will be offered at the American Philatelic Center on October 24 and 25, 2008, in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of the American Philatelic Research Library. Gini Horn, APRL librarian, and Bill Welch, retired editor of The American Philatelist, will teach the course. Topics will include defining the problem, identifying, evaluating and verifying sources, creating outlines, writing drafts, and finding a publisher. Researchers and writers at any level will benefit from the two-day course.

           
Exhibiting for the Prize with Rich Drews
November 19 & 20, 2008 prior to CHICAGOPEX

With a quick review of the basics, this course will delve into intermediate and advanced level topics of exhibiting to help exhibitors who wish to win a Grand Award or beyond or go to international levels.  Students will explore how all the various exhibiting divisions, such as Postal, Revenue, or Thematic, are judged, what considerations, such as treatment, conveying knowledge and research or the difficulty of acquisition, will effect an award, and what is often in the mind of judges as they make their decisions.  Exhibtors will be encouraged to bring their exhibits for assistance and comparison with a wide range of successful exhibits in all disciplines.

Collecting the British Machins with David Alderfer
November 19 & 20, 2008 prior to CHICAGOPEX

After 40 years, the Machin series of Great Britain definitives is the second longest running design of any stamp worldwide.  Arnold Machin was the sculptor who created the bas relief profile of Queen Elizabeth which is the central design element of every Machin stamp.

A basic set of Machin stamps, based on color and denomination, consists of about 401 different stamps.  A specialized collection would number over 4,000.  It is a complex series but fascinating for collectors interested in details. 

The course will focus on the various characteristics that collectors must consider in order to appreciate all the varieties.  Characteristics include colors, face values, numerals, papers, gums, phosphor band variations, perforations, regional issues, methods of printing, booklets, se-tenant combinations, and postal history

A PowerPoint presentation illustrating key points and hands-on experience will be part of the workshop.  There will be something of interest for beginner, intermediate, and advanced collectors alike.

Any questions please contact Gretchen Moody via e-mail or phone 814-933-3810.

An online registration form is available.