Brookfield Philatelic Society

A.P.S. Chapter

1093-104280

     In this first attempt at creating an internet presence, The Brookfield Philatelic Society welcomes anyone with an interest in stamps and their collecting. We are a group of approximately 50 individuals who meet monthly as a means of improving our personal collections. Our members range from the mildly curious to professionals who earn their livings as philatelic dealers and consultants.

     Founded in 1961, this organization has flourished where many others have not. We believe that the friendly atmosphere and social nature of our meetings encourages the participation of everyone present.  Many of our members have enjoyed this club for over 20 years and one has been a member since 1961. The Brookfield Philatelic Society is the only stamp club in the greater Danbury, CT area. It is also affiliated with the American Philatelic Society, the largest group of collectors in the world.

     Because of the Society's direct involvement with the design and production of the cachet for the Charles Ives stamp, the club was recognized by the United States Postal Service at the First Day of Issue ceremonies in Danbury, CT.

    Our goal is to provide a forum that is educational and conducive to the enjoyment of the hobby of stamp and cover collecting. Postal history and postal stationery are examined, as well. There is no age limit or knowledge level necessary to be a full member. To encourage the participation of  younger members, annual dues of $8.00 covers the memberships of an entire family. A quarterly newsletter, PhilaNews, is issued to every member.

     Society officers are elected by the membership at the November monthly meeting and serve through the following calendar year. These officers include, but are not limited to, President, 1st Vice-President, 2nd Vice-President and Secretary/Treasurer. 

     Additional duties are performed by the Manager of the United Stamp Society circuit books, the Manager of Club-Owned Material, the Program Committee and the Editor and Publisher of PhilaNews, the society newsletter. Every position is staffed with a volunteer.

     Meetings are held on the second Friday of every month in the Brookfield Community Center, Pocono Rd., Brookfield CT 06804. This facility is owned and maintained by the Town of Brookfield. Our normal schedule is as follows:    7PM - Doors Open, 8PM - Club Business, introduction of guests and the scheduled presentation, 10PM - Doors Close.

     As an aid in their stamp collecting, members have access to the society's philatelic library and United Stamp Societies circuit books at each meeting. Scott Catalogues may be borrowed between meetings at no cost. Meetings cancelled by weather are announced on a local radio station and members are notified by phone where possible.

     Silent Auctions and Club Auctions are held throughout the year and Swap Meets and Show and Tell nights liven up the calendar, as well.

     The major social event of the year is the Annual Holiday Party which may be held in a local restaurant. In 2004, over 30 members and guests enjoyed a night out with excellent food at The Hearth Restaurant in Brookfield. Because of the success of this event, we are planning another party there this December

     The Society's award-winning newsletter, PhilaNews, is published quarterly and is available at each monthly meeting. It is mailed to those members not able to attend a meeting and the cost of the newsletter is included in the annual dues of $8. It may also be downloaded via the "read PhilaNews" link on this page.

     Regular features include a Calendar of upcoming philatelic events in the area, a listing of society officers with address, phone and E-Mail contacts, member's birthdays occurring in the following month, upcoming Club Activities which describes future presentations, and a catalogue for society Club Auctions. From the Editor includes commentary about all aspects of the Society.

     Each edition carries a feature article and smaller stories. Photographs, cartoons and news clips may be included where space permits. The President may address the membership through the newsletter when necessary.

    PhilaNews has been recognized by the American Philatelic Society in their annual philatelic newsletter competition. We are fortunate to have won several awards in this national event.

    A number of philatelic links are included for the user. One of these, Joe Luft's Home Page, would really be enough. This site contains over 4,000 web sites directly connected to stamp collecting.

http://stamps.org/  American Philatelic Society                                                                                  

http://www.execpc.com/~joeluft/resource.html  Joe Luft's massive listing of philatelic links

http://www.filbert.com/stamplistopedia/  Lee's Illustrated Listopedia

http://www.pcsg.org   Philatelic Computing Study Group - if you use the computer as a philatelic tool

http://www.raster.it/stefano/a/  A fun site for identifying your weird stamps

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