The Smithsonian National Postal Museum, located in Washington, D.C., is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of the United States postal service and philately. Established in 1993, the museum is housed in the historic City Post Office Building, which served as Washington, D.C.’s main post office from 1914 to 1986.
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
2 Massachusetts Ave NE
Washington, DC 20002
+1 (202) 633-5555
Daily 10:00 – 17:30
Closed December 25
Free admission
Gift shop
Aircraft collection
Stinson SR-10F Reliant NX2311
| N249B
NX2311 – | de Havilland DH-4
Stinson SR-10F Reliant Wiseman Cooke |
de Havilland DH-4 N249B
Wiseman Cooke
Smithsonian National Postal Museum Exhibits and Collections:
- William H. Gross Stamp Gallery: This is the world’s largest stamp gallery, offering interactive displays and showcasing rare stamps from around the globe.
- Historic Mail Transportation: The museum’s atrium features vehicles used to deliver mail throughout history, including planes, trains, and automobiles. Notable artifacts include a 1932 Ford Model A postal truck and a mail-carrying stagecoach from 1851.
- Owney the Railway Mail Service Mascot: Visitors can learn about Owney, a terrier mix who became the unofficial mascot of the Railway Mail Service in the late 19th century. Owney’s preserved remains are on display, along with related memorabilia.
The Smithsonian National Postal Museum in Washington, D.C., features several historic aircraft that highlight the evolution of airmail service in the United States. Notable aircraft on display include:
1. Wiseman-Cooke Aircraft: This biplane is recognized for carrying the first official airmail in the U.S. on February 17, 1911. Piloted by Fred Wiseman, it transported letters from Petaluma to Santa Rosa, California. The aircraft is now prominently displayed in the museum.
2. de Havilland DH-4: Known as the “workhorse” of early airmail service, the DH-4 was extensively used by the Post Office Department after World War I. These planes carried over 775 million letters and underwent significant modifications to meet postal service needs.
3. Stinson Reliant SR-10F: This aircraft was utilized in airmail pick-up experiments by All American Aviation. The Stinson Reliant series was known for its powerful engines and versatility, serving both as executive transports and utility aircraft.
These aircraft, among others, are displayed in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum‘s atrium, suspended from the 90-foot-high ceiling, providing visitors with a unique perspective on the history of airmail aviation.