YOUR LESSON IS IN THE MAIL

The Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum offers students a different look at America by examining the history of our country’s mail service. Housed in Washington, D.C.’s Old City Post Office, the museum features several galleries that explore everything from the role of mail as a source of personal communication to the growth of transportation technology to stamp collecting.

Teachers may be surprised to find they can use postal history in lesson plans in many ways, whether the topic is geography, immigration, transportation or Westward expansion.

The museum offers guided tours for preK-6 and self-guided tours for older students. The guided tours give students a more hands-on experience. The exhibits and activities teach them how letter carriers do their jobs, or how to write a letter or create their own stamp collections. The self-guided tours have videos and interactive games and activities.

The museum provides free curriculum guides to teachers. The lessons are taken from the curricula used in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia, says Esther Washington, the head of education for the museum.

The National Postal Museum is open seven days a week, except Dec. 25, and admission is free. Call 202/357-2991 to reserve a tour. 

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