In September 1949, Jerry Husak, a Milwaukee teenager, had an idea. He wanted to organize a club for people who collected stamps by topics. He thought, with hard work, he might find a couple hundred people to join him.

That was the beginning of what was to become the world’s largest organization for topical collectors, the American Topical Association, which today is home to members in 65 countries. Through its numerous programs and services, ATA has encouraged beginning, as well as experienced, topical enthusiasts to collect, research, study and share their topics.

And in 2024, the organization will be celebrating 75 years of enthusiastically sharing knowledge, conducting research, and encouraging the hobby of philately with a year-long schedule of festivities, including at the Great American Stamp Show in Hartford, CT. ATA history and achievements will be celebrated at the national show with a special annual meeting on Friday, August 16, at 2 p.m. All show attendees, regardless of whether they are ATA members, are cordially invited to attend to learn about topical collecting and its history.

The celebration will continue with the ATA President's Reception on Friday evening (be sure to register by August 1 if you plan to attend). And of course, if you're joining us in Hartford, be sure to visit the ATA booth at the show to learn more about the fun of topical collecting and the rich history of this association. 

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