28/02/2023
Norwalk Stamp Club notes the 550th birth of astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus with a special envelope
NORWALK, Connecticut – (March 1, 2023) – The Norwalk Stamp Club will commemorate the 550th birthday of astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus with a special souvenir envelope and unique cancellation during its annual show and exhibition on March 11. The show, known as NORPEX, will take place at the Norwalk Senior Center, 11 Allen Road, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Copernicus was the 15th-century Polish astronomer and polymath whose theories revolutionized celestial observations and opened the age of extra-terrestrial exploration. Connecticut has a modern-day tie to these discoveries: the Hubble Space Telescope, launched into low-earth orbit in 1990, was built in Danbury. Hubble has been imaging countless distant galaxies ever since. Its successor, the James Webb Space Telescope, parked one million miles from earth, became operational in 2022, and was commemorated on a U.S. postage stamp in September. That stamp appears on the NORPEX envelope.
“Nicolaus Copernicus enabled us to understand our place in the universe,” said Mike Clark, president of the Norwalk Stamp Club, “so it is fitting that we pay tribute to this historic figure on the occasion of his 550th birthday, even as new discoveries expand our astronomical knowledge every day.”
The stamp club’s 2023 cachet artwork, issued in conjunction with its annual exhibition and bourse was designed by famed stamp designer Chris Calle.
The longest-running stamp show in the region, NORPEX features many dealers from across the northeast with stamps, envelopes and supplies to serve the needs of collectors. The Postal Service will sell current commemorative stamps, and special collections will be on display. New this year will be a table devoted to Ukrainian philately and material supporting their cause.
Club members will be on hand to evaluate collections from members of the public. Hourly giveaways will provide guests with valuable philatelic souvenirs.
NORPEX commemorative covers are available for $3. Those ordering by mail may send a self-addressed stamped envelope with a check payable to the Norwalk Stamp Club to: P O Box 267-N, Norwalk CT 06856-0267.
The Norwalk Stamp Club, founded in 1962, meets at 8 p.m. on the first and third Monday of each month excluding July and August at the Norwalk Senior Center. For special events, the club produces souvenir collectible cachets commemorating local topics or significant events. More information on the web at www.Norwalkstampclub.com.
Media contact: William G. Armstrong Jr., [email protected]
