The Baltimore Philatelic Society (BPS) was established in 1889. In the 1880’s and 1890’s, philately was very popular in Baltimore. Many important auctions were held in the city. In fact, some auctions were held in a building located at 1224 N. Charles Street. That is just two blocks from our current clubhouse located at 1224. N. Calvert Street. Many past and present members have made significant contributions to philately both in Maryland and across the nation. A near complete history of the Society been written by American Philatelic Historian Herbert A. Trenchard. Several years ago various parts of the history were published in the BALPEX program and the Society's newsletter the Baltimore Philatelist. Once completed, the entire history will be printed and made available to the philatelic public. Several years ago the Board of Governors decided to name the building The Horace W. Harrison Philatelic Center to honor Mr. Harrison for all his contributions to the Society.

120th Anniversary

 

In 2009, the Baltimore Philatelic Society celebrated its 120th anniversary. At BALPEX 2009 on Saturday, September 5, as part of the annual awards dinner a few words were spoken at this accomplishment. At that dinner, Cheryl Ganz, Curator of Philately, Smithsonian Institude was honored as our guest speaker. In addition, two members of the Society were recognized for their many hours they have given to keep the Society strong. They were Father Edward. J Mullowney and Stanley Raffel.

In 1961, Horace Harrison was traveling on Calvert Street, it was a two way street at that time, and noticed that an auction would be taking place on the 1224 address. He quickly gathered some of the members. They went to the auction and were successful in purchasing the building. This once elegant four-story built in 1889 the same year the Society was founded has been restored to its original grandeur. The lower level contains a kitchen and a series of Barrister bookcases now housing the library of the Society for Czechoslovak Philately. In the front room, there are more book cases housing duplicate library material and auction catalogs. The first floor has a sitting room, a lounge and a large meeting room. The second floor is wholly devoted to the BPS library. The third was recently renovated to house the administrative office and board room. Another room is used for the library of the Germany Philatelic Society. There is also another kitchen and a full bathroom. The fourth floor is currently used for storage. Note: Calvert Street is now a one way north street. Our building is located on the left side while travelling north.

Since the 1930's the Baltimore Philatelic has sponsored and exhibition and bourse. These early shows were held in several locations within Baltimore City. Finally in 1971, the society found an ideal location in a newly built hotel called the Marriott Hunt Valley Inn. Its location is in Baltimore County just a few miles north of the City / County line.

Currently, the Society is working on plans with the hotel thru the year 2013. In 2012, BALPEX will host an International Salon between the Germany Philatelic Society (GPS) and the Bund Deutscher Philatelisten BDPh). While the actual BALPEX will last its usual 3 days, the Salon is an 8 day event. In addition to the Salon another philatelic organization will hold its convention. More information to come.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND BOARD OF GOVERNORS

 

On June 17, 2009, the Society held its annual meeting and election of Officers and Board of D Governors to serve the term from June 17, 2009 to the third Wednesday, 2011. The following members were elected:

OFFICERS	BOARD OF GOVERNORS
Robert E. Gibson, Sr. - President	Michael Carski
Rev. Edward J. Mullowney - Vice-President	Barry Casanova
C. Michael Pfeifer - Secretary	Page Herbert
Rochard C. Drought - Treasurer	Charles Morgan
	Stanley Raffel
	Phillip Sager
	Frank Soeder