Established in October 1886, the Chicago Philatelic Society is chapter no. 1 of the American Philatelic Society.
The Chicago Philatelic Society (CPS) will host its annual philatelic exhibition, Chicagopex, this Nov. 17-19 at the Westin Chicago Northwest on 400 Park Blvd. in Itasca, Ill.
This year’s show theme celebrates the 525th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ momentous first sailing, which is reflected in the souvenir show cachets and cancellations. Two societies—the Society of Israel Philatelists and the British Caribbean Philatelic Study Group—are also holding conventions at Chicagopex.
Admission and parking are free. The show will be open to the public from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Nov. 17-18 and from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Nov. 19. Attendees are asked to contact the hotel by phone at 630-773-4000 to make reservations. Mention Chicagopex for the special room rate of $125 a night plus tax.
A World Series of Philately event, the exhibition is slated to feature about 300 frames of philatelic material. This year also marks the 51st anniversary of the show’s philatelic literature competition—one of only a few competitions based around philatelic literature in the U.S.
The show’s bourse will feature 75 dealers from the U.S. and Europe offering a vast array of material to interest everyone from the beginning collector to the advanced collector and exhibitor. The U.S. Postal Service and the United Nations Postal Administration will also be in attendance.
The show will also include a youth/beginners’ booth as well as meetings and speakers from local clubs, including the CPS and Germany Philatelic Society Chapter #5, as well as the two convening societies. Meetings and talks are free and open to the public.
A catered awards banquet will also be hosted on the evening of Saturday, Nov. 18. Tickets must be purchased in advance; dress is business casual.
The CPS was organized on Oct. 8, 1886 as a continuation of the Chicago Stamp Collectors Union, which was organized in Dec. 1884. The society is chapter no. 1 of the American Philatelic Society and one of two organizations with the longest uninterrupted service to philately in the U.S.