New stamp captures historic symbolism of White House

WASHINGTON – It doesn’t matter who lives in it, the White House is a revered building in America.



Once known as the “President’s House” and the “Executive Mansion,” the White House is honored in its bicentennial year as the official residence of the president on a new U.S. postage stamp now available.



“On its 200th birthday, the White House is the most important and renowned building in the world, symbol of liberty and hope for all people,” said Hugh Sidey, president, White House Historical Association. “When President John Adams moved into the new but yet unfinished building Nov. 1, 1800, few Americans realized he had planted an institution that would in the next two centuries become the most powerful and successful democracy in history.”



John Adams, the second president of the United States, moved into the unfinished “President’s House” in November 1800. Since then the White House has seen many changes and improvements. Running water and an indoor bathroom were installed in 1833; electric lights in 1891. During the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt the West Wing offices were built.



The White House has also undergone two comprehensive renovations: first, after the British forces burned it in 1814 during the War of 1812, and again in 1948 during the Truman Administration, when an examination of the building found it to be structurally unsafe. It was subsequently gutted, reinforced with steel and concrete, and rebuilt within the original walls.



To coincide with the issuance of the White House stamp, a special joint product of the Postal Service and the U.S. Treasury, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, is also available.



The “White House 200th Anniversary Commemorative Stamp and Note Portfolio” incorporates a full pane of the White House stamps with a $20 currency note that bears an engraving of the White House. The note features a special 200th anniversary serial number range not available in general circulation.



This limited-edition product is packaged in a premium portfolio that will protect the stamp sheet and currency note in archive quality material. Only 30,000 White House Stamp and Note Portfolios will be produced for worldwide release. Orders can be made through the Postal Service by calling toll-free 1 800 STAMP-24.



Stamp Fulfillment Services also offers first day covers for new stamp issues and postal stationery items postmarked with the official first day of issue cancellation.

Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog.



Customers may request a free catalog by writing to: Information Fulfillment, U.S. Postal Service, Dept. 6270, P.O. Box 219014, Kansas City MO 64121-9014, or by calling 1-800 STAMP-24.



First day covers remain on sale for at least one year after the stamp’s issuance.