Why the stamps were issued: To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the beloved children’s television program, Sesame Street.
About the stamp designs: Each stamp pictures a different character from Sesame Street: Big Bird, Ernie, Bert, Cookie Monster, Rosita, The Count, Oscar the Grouch, Abby Cadabby, Herry Monster, Julia, Guy Smiley, Snuffleupagus, Elmo, Telly, Grover, and Zoe. The stamps were designed by art director Derry Noyes using photographs of the 16 characters pictured.
First Day City: The First Day of Issue Ceremony was held in Lafayette Park in Detroit, Michigan, as part of the “Sesame Street Road Trip,” a celebration event held in 10 cities across the US.
History the stamp represents: In 2019, Sesame Street – everyone’s favorite educational and playful children’s television show – celebrated its 50th anniversary. To commemorate the occasion, the USPS issued 16 new Forever stamps picturing different characters from the show.
The lovable monsters and Muppets of Sesame Street are a diverse group, with each character bringing something great to the neighborhood. Some, like Big Bird and Snuffleupagus, have been there since the very beginning. Others, like Abby Cadabby and Julia are relatively new to the neighborhood. The group of friends play, learn new things, and overcome obstacles together. When one of them is sad or angry, everyone else works as a team to help them feel better.
Sesame Street is a happy place where everybody can be themselves, find friends, and play together. Many people have asked the question “how do you get to Sesame Street?” The truth is, Sesame Street is not just one place in one city. Anywhere in the world can be Sesame Street as long as neighbors stick together, help each other, and spread love and understanding wherever they go. As Phil Donahue said, “This is Sesame Street. A place where people, birds, and monsters all live together in perfect harmony.”
