Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian National Postal Museum

I have been visiting the Smithsonian Museums for years.  I am quite familiar with the Air and Space, Natural History, American History, and Hirshhorn Museums. Although, over Memorial weekend, I visited the Smithsonian National Postal Museum for the very first time.

The Postal Museum is located on the corner of First Street and Massachusetts Avenue, NE on the lower level of the former Washington City Post Office Building, next to Union Station.  After going through the security check point, Khan, Security Officer mentioned that Department of Labor, Capital Police and Senate Offices were also located in the same building.

On the street level you can take an escalator down to the Postal Museum exhibits.  I believe the most impressive area to consider visiting was "Moving the Mail" Hall. This where mail was moved with planes, trains, automobiles....and of course horses too.

Fred Wiseman's plane that flew mail in 1911.  Smithsonian National Postal Museum

Our current year of 2011 is the 100th anniversary of airmail.  In 1911, Fred Wiseman flew between two California towns, carrying letters and newspapers.

Another plane at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum

This picture below was taken inside the Train car that moved mail in the turn of the century.

Inside the Mail Train Car, National Postal Museum

Picture of men inside Mail Car taken at the National Postal Museum

Automobile used to move mail.  Smithsonian National Postal Museum

Stagecoaches and horses were also used at one point to move mail too.  This is a life size example below.

Stagecoach and Horses at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum

The original Pony Express was actual company named the Central Overland California and Pikes Peak Express Company (COCPP).  At that time of the Pony Express, employees referred to a company that ran into economic trouble "Clean Out of Cash and Poor Pay". 

This museum has a great poster collection that highlights the 150th Anniversary of the Pony Express.

Besides the museum shop, Amelia's Earhart's collection of stamps and photographs, the museum has a great collection of mailboxes from all over the world.

Collection of Mailboxes.  Smithsonian National Postal Museum

Lastly, I would like to let Julie's Journeys blog readers know about "Owney".  He was a real dog who rode mail trains in the 1890s. 

Owney at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum

In July there will be a celebration sprucing up Owney's exhibit.  Look for the US Postal Office to be issuing a Forever stamp celebrating this dog!

Want to follow Owney's adventures, or ask a question or say hi go to:

Facebook.com/Owney

The Smithsonian National Postal Museum is a great place to go before or after having a meal at Union Station's formal restaurants or at the food court on the lower level.

Want to know more about the Smithsonian National Postal Museum and other Smithsonian Museums: 

www.postalmuseum.si.edu/connect

www. goSmithsonian.com