Located on Capitol Hill next to Union Station, the National Postal Museum is housed in a Beaux Arts-style building designed by Daniel Burnham. From 1914 to 1986, the building was the Washington City Post Office.

Highlights

“Pony Express: Romance vs. Reality” (permanent) The legendary service was short-lived (April 1860 to October 1861), but it owes its enduring fame to the romanticizing of the American West.

In “Moving the Mail” (indefinite), see how a letter gets delivered to obscure places like the bottom of the Grand Canyon.

“Victory Mail” (March 6, 2008-May 30, 2011) showcases World War II letters that were copied onto microfilm, then flown to troops overseas.

“Alphabetilately: An Alphabet of Philately” (Sept. 26, 2008-Oct. 29). Twenty-six letters tell the story of stamp collecting and mail delivery.

“Collecting History: 125 Years of the National Philatelic Collection” (indefinite, opens Aug. 8). The oldest intact national stamp collection celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2011.

Fun for students:goSmithsonian.com/SIConnections

Online exhibition "Bringing the World Home" about Rural Free Delivery service at the award-winning website arago.si.edu

Become a member of the National Postal Museum.