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The Eisenhower People-To-People Movement




A short time ago we ran a daily email touting how stamp exhibitions benefit the stamp collecting hobby. Recently, in working on the Vatican Notes another terrific little article was discovered. Volume 7, Issue 1, page 2 announces that the Cardinal Spellman Philatelic Society was formally organized on May 20,1958 at Regis College in Weston Massachusetts (when the Spellman Museum of Stamps and Postal History is now located). This short article described that Cardinal Spellman was "...closely associated with the People-to-People Program since its inauguration by President Eisenhower in 1956, having been exhibited throughout the United States and in nineteen foreign countries. During the past year it has been shown in twenty exhibitions, and the Society hopes that through a scholarly interest in the Collection it can continue to serve as an important link in the People-to-People Program to promote integrational cooperation and peace. " (1)

Doing some research on Microsoft Co-Pilot it was learned that the President Eisenhower established the People-to-People Program on September 11, 1956 with "the aim of enhancing international understanding and friendship." Eisenhower "believed that fostering understanding between people was crucial for building lasting peace, especially during the Cold War era." (2) The People-to-People movement sponsored events and programs such things such as "city affiliations, pen-pals, stamp exchanges, international sporting events, musical concerts, hospitality programs, theatrical tours, and book drives." (2) These events were all aimed at creating a world were things are a little more peaceful. It is a great side benefit to the hobby of collecting stamps!

References
(1) "The Cardinal Spellman Philatelic Society", Vatuian Notes Volume 7, Issue 1, July-August 1958, page 2
(2) Microsoft Co-Pilot search, keywords "People-to-People Eisenhower stamp exhibition"
(3)"People to People Program National Archives - Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, & Boyhood Home - https://www.eisenhowerlibrary.gov/research/online-documents/people-people-program
(4) People To People International - Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People_to_People_International