Support AAAS and 150 Years of Scientific Achievement

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is seeking support for a 1998 U. S. postage stamp, commemorating not only the Association's sesquicentennial, but also 150 years of scientific achievement. Historian Sally Kohlstedt notes that 1848 marks more than just the founding of an organization, but that the role of AAAS was 'fundamental in creating a viable scientific community in the United States.' (The Formation of the American Scientific Community: The American Association for the Advancement of Science, 1848-1860, University of Illinois Press, 1976.)

When AAAS was established in 1848, the word scientist had only been coined 8 years earlier. The original 461 members constituted nearly every prominent scientist at work in the nation at that time. These pioneers envisioned an organization that would promote and maintain a shared sense of pride among scientists of all disciplines as well as advance and diffuse scientific knowledge.

APA, which is 1 of AAAS's 293 affiliated organizations, is urging its members to support the postage stamp campaign. AAAS will submit its proposal to the Citizen's Stamp Advisory Committee, which screens new stamp proposals for the U. S. Postal Service, in March. Time is critical as it takes at least 3 years to go from a stamp's approval to its design and production.

To be approved, AAAS must show significant and widespread support for the new stamp. Therefore, AAAS needs to receive, as soon as possible, letters of support. Please send letters of support, as well as any suggestions for the stamp's theme and design, to:

AAAS Commemorative Stamp Committee

Office of Communications, Room 801

1333 H Street, NW

Washington, DC 20005

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