Wireless Wednesday Live: USPS celebrates 250 years of service

For 250 years, the U.S. Postal Service has continued to serve the same ideals — connecting individuals, communities and businesses through an ongoing exchange of ideas, information and goods. Although the United States only makes up 4 percent of the world’s population, the U.S. Postal Service handles 44 percent of mail across the entire globe.

In snow, rain, heat and gloom of night, the USPS reliably reaches us where we live and work. Today, at nearly 169 million delivery addresses nationwide, American communities near and far are connected by the U.S. Mail.

For more information, please visit information https://www.usps.com/250/

To spread the word on social media, use the hashtag #usps250

Topics:

How can it be that the Postal Service is older than the United States?

How did Benjamin Franklin become our first postmaster general?

How has the way mail is sent and delivered changed over 250 years?

How has the Postal Service adapted to changing technology?

Why did the Postal Service invent ZIP Codes?

Were there any famous people who worked for the Postal Service?

Sure, the mail was important before cellphones and the internet; is it still important today?

Where can my listeners find more information about the USPS 250TH anniversary?

MORE ABOUT STEVE KOCHERSPERGER:

As the U.S. Postal Service Historian, Steve is responsible for researching and answering questions from employees and the public. He oversees the safekeeping of a vast collection of historical records including more than 21,000 historic photographs, 4,000 postal artifacts, and a library containing 29,000 volumes. He has authored dozens of articles and papers on the history of the Postal Service.

MORE ABOUT ELLIOT GRUBER:

Elliot Gruber is the director of the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum. Elliot’s passion for museums, and the impact they can have, was kindled during his time in Gettysburg where he was responsible for all aspects of museum operations for the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center. Elliot has more than forty years’ experience in the non-profit sector. He joined the Smithsonian in September 2017, embarking on a strategic campaign to increase the global reach, impact, and relevance of the museum’s exhibitions, public programs, and research.