SI Gets Free Postal Privileges

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The Smithsonian Institution Archives welcomes personal and educational use of its collections unless otherwise noted. For commercial uses, please contact photos@si.edu.
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Summary

In the Post-Office Act of 1880, United States Congress extends free postal privileges to the Smithsonian. Provisions for free postage for the official business of the government of the United States were established by an act passed on March 3, 1877. It also provides that books or documents from the Smithsonian are exempted from the weight limit of four pounds per package on mail sent as fourth-class.

Subject

  • International Exchange Service (IES)
  • United States Postal Service
  • United States Congress

Category

Chronology of Smithsonian History

Notes

  • Goode, George Brown, ed. The Smithsonian Institution, 1846-1896, The History of Its First Half Century. Washington, D.C.: De Vinne Press, 1897., p. 839
  • Rhees, William Jones. The Smithsonian Institution: Documents Relative to Its Origin and History: 1835-1899, Vol. 1, 1835-1887. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1901., p. 767-768, 818-819

Contact information

Institutional History Division, Smithsonian Institution Archives, 600 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20024-2520, SIHistory@si.edu

Date

March 3, 1879

Topic

  • Law
  • Policies
  • Finance
  • Franking privilege
  • Exchanges, Literary and scientific
  • Legislation

Full Record

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