Stamp Story

When the U.S. Postal Service announced last year the late Jim Henson and his beloved Muppets would grace a panel of 11 postage stamps to be released last month, officials never dreamed how great the demand would be. The stamps feature 13 Muppet characters (Kermit, Fozzie, Sam Eagle, Miss Piggy, Statler & Waldorf, The Swedish Chef, Animal, Dr. Bunsen & Beaker, Rowlf, and Gonzo & Camellia) and one stamp of Jim Henson.

The U.S. Postal Service said that in the past few months the Muppet stamps quickly became of the most requested and most anticipated. Not only have the fans celebrated the news, but the media has picked up on the news of this releases and are sharing the news about these stamps in newspapers, magazines, websites, and more. The USPS says that these stamps will be hot items – similar to when Bugs Bunny appeared on a stamp in the 1997, and Elvis in 1993. But unlike the big hit stamps of the past, this is more than one or two stamp; this is a whole series of stamps (11 to be exact). Needless to say, the USPS is very excited about this release.

In fact, the stamps, originally slated for a March release, were moved back to be released in September. The reason behind the move was deeper than merely giving the Postal Service more time to print and distribute the large number of stamps they anticipate (although that is one big benefit they are now thankful for). But the reason was to have the stamps give a reverent tribute to their inspriation. By releasing the stamps in September they are able to coincide the release (September 14) with Jim Henson’s Birthday (September 24); Jim would have been 69 (2005 marks the 15th anniversary of his death). Vanessa Patterson, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Postal Services' commemorative stamp program said despite the push-back with the Muppet series, next month's stamp honoring late actor Henry Fonda is still on schedule to be released May 16, (on what would have been his 100th birthday), and the highly anticipated Muppet stamps will be released in September.

So be sure to stop by your local post office and pick up a few sheets of the Muppet stamps on September 14, 2005. Whether you frame them to hang on your wall, or you use them up sending letters to your friends; these stamps are sure to be a delight to any Muppet fan. The souvenir sheet of stamps will be able to be bought through the USPS Online Store or at your local post office in September.