Topic: Signed, Sealed, and Delivered: 250 Years of the U.S. Post Office
When: Tuesday 11/4/2025 at 2:00 pm ET
Join us as we celebrate 250 years of America’s postal system! We will explore how and why it was formed, what challenges it faced, and what role it has played throughout our nation’s history. We’ll also take a closer look at the Constitution’s Postal Clause, found in Article I, Section 8, Clause 7, which gives Congress the power “to establish Post Offices and post Roads.”
The Post Office celebrated its 250th anniversary this past July, and we’re marking the occasion with a fascinating conversation about its founding. The role of Benjamin Franklin as our country’s first Postmaster General, and how the idea of a national mail service came to life in the early Republic. This is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Constitutional Chats are hosted by Janine Turner, Cathy Gillespie, student ambassadors, and experts who join us weekly to discuss hot-topic issues! The audience is not on camera, but you may ask questions!
Meet the Guest
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. As the Postal Service celebrates its 250th anniversary, Steve has given dozens of interviews to print and electronic media. The Associated Press recently quoted Steve stating, “The country may not even have come into existence but for the Postal Service.”