American Topical Association

Last updated
American Topical Association
Formation1949
FounderJerry Husak

The American Topical Association (ATA) is a US-based philatelic society and the largest organization devoted to topical stamp collecting. It was established in 1949 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin by Jerome (Jerry) Husak. In 2020 it claimed members in nearly 100 countries. [1] ATA publishes Topical Time, its bimonthly journal. [2] It also publishes numerous handbooks and maintains many checklists listing hundreds of stamps by topic. The organization runs the National Topical Stamp Show as well as supporting 50+ study units on various topics and 40+ local chapters. [2]

Contents

The American Topical Association is an affiliate of the American Philatelic Society.

Services to members

Among the services provided to members are:

Distinguished Topical Philatelist Service Award

Distinguished Topical Philatelist medal 2008-DTP-medal.jpg
Distinguished Topical Philatelist medal

The Distinguished Topical Philatelist (DTP) is the highest service award offered by the ATA, given for service to topical philately in general and to the ATA in particular. It was established in 1952 by ATA's founder Jerry Husak and has been presented to over 120 individuals, including residents of Canada, Great Britain, Italy, and the United States, since its inception. [5] The first Distinguished Topical Philatelist award was presented to Allyn H Wright in 1952. The annual award ceremony is held during the ATA's National Topical Stamp Show.

ATA's National Topical Stamp Show

The ATA table ATA-Table.jpg
The ATA table

This ATA-sponsored annual show is an all-thematic philatelic exhibition and a 30+ dealer bourse offering a variety of philatelic material for collectors. In addition several cachet makers offer covers. There are also many meetings, seminars, youth activities, free stamp appraisals and special touring events. The picture below is of the ATA table at New York 2016 World Stamp Show Exhibition which was held at the Javits Convention Center in New York City. Vera Felts, the previous Executive Director of the ATA, can be seen on the left side of the photo.

References

  1. "History of the ATA". American Topical Association. Archived from the original on May 18, 2020. Retrieved Mar 19, 2025.
  2. 1 2 "Benefits of ATA Membership". American Topical Association. 2009. Retrieved June 18, 2010.
  3. "American Topical Association Chapters". Archived from the original on 2011-10-18.
  4. "ATA Study Units & Affiliates". Archived from the original on 2011-11-05.
  5. "American Topical Association Info on DTP". americantopicalassn.org. Retrieved 2016-04-16.