The BEP Years – Progress and Innovation
For over 100 years the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) was the most important designer, engraver and printer of American postage stamps. During this course you will trace the evolution of the BEP and examine its involvement in the development, design and printing of U.S. postage stamps. Learn about the advances in stamp production sparked by postal authority pressure and expectations. Historical and political context helps to shed light on decisions that affected stamp design during this time period (1894 - 1950).
Session 1
§ The establishment of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing as a producer of postage stamps
§ Early BEP directors, designers and engravers (1894 - 1902)
Session 2
§ BEP directors, designers and engravers (1900 - 1930s)
§ Stamps printed by the BEP - 1900 to 1930s
Session 3
§ BEP directors, designers and engravers (1930s - 1940s)
§ Stamps printed by the BEP (1930s - 1940s)
§ Politics of issues printed during this time period
Session 4
§ Stamp production and technology at the BEP (1894 - 1950)
This four-session seminar was recorded during the 2021 Summer Seminar Online live, virtual learning event.
Included: 4 session recordings (totaling over 4 hours of recorded content) and course handouts.
Instructor: Dr. Charles Posner