Capturing history as a color palette

The U.S. Postal Service turned 250 years old on Sunday, July 26, 2025—marking its founding by the Second Continental Congress. The Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum hosted a family-friendly celebration, and USPS launched two commemorative stamp programs. Meanwhile, Pantone honored the milestone with a color-based tribute to key moments in postal history.

250 Years in Color showcases custom USPS-inspired shades. A parchment white marks Benjamin Franklin’s 1775 appointment as the first Postmaster General. Pony Express brown captures the grit of early horseback delivery. Mr. ZIP orange celebrates the arrival of ZIP codes in the 1960s.

An interactive microsite lets visitors explore each color through essays and audio clips that connect them to deeper cultural stories.

Fun.

WEBSITE: USPS Pantone 250 Years in Color

Capturing history as a color palette

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