Of all the pastimes and hobbies I have had in my life, the most pleasant and relaxing was stamp collecting. Those small pieces of paper that told so much history about our country and the world somehow captured my imagination, as they have millions of other people over the years. Today’s Family First site mixes the pleasure of stamp collecting with the technology of the Internet.

Called the Virtual Stamp Club, this site is an online affiliate club of the American Philatelic Society. It was charted in 1995 as the first electronic chapter of that club, and is also a chapter of the American First Day Cover Society. At this site you can find out about the latest releases, look over upcoming stamp shows in your area, meet, chat and trade with other members - in fact, you’ve got all the benefits of a physical stamp club except you don’t have to leave the comfort of your own armchair. You can even find out the latest gossip, such as the U.S. Postal Service’s decision to break with a 40-year tradition and not release a Christmas stamp this year.

Collecting stamps is an interesting and educational pastime. Many famous people collect stamps, such as President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Enjoy your stop here today, and you will find a new (or renew an old) hobby here.