Design of surprise U.S. stamp for Barbara Bush unveiled May 8 at White House

By Linn’s staff

The design of a United States forever commemorative stamp honoring former first lady Barbara Bush (1925-2018) was unveiled May 8 in the East Room of the White House during a ceremony hosted by first lady Melania Trump.

Bush was the wife of George H.W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States. She served as first lady during her husband’s administration from 1989 to 1993. She was also the mother of George W. Bush, the 43rd president (2001-09).

The nondenominated (73¢) Barbara Bush stamp, which features the official White House portrait of Bush painted by Charles Fagan, is scheduled to be issued June 10 in Kennebunkport, Maine, home to Walker’s Point Estate, the summer retreat of the Bush family.

In addition to Trump, the unveiling included Judy de Torok, USPS vice president of corporate affairs, George and Barbara Bush Foundation CEO Alice Yates, and Barbara and George H.W. Bush’s daughter, Doro Bush Koch.

Former President George W. Bush did not attend the ceremony.

“We are deeply honored that the United States Postal Service is paying tribute to our mother with a commemorative forever stamp,” said Bush Koch.

“This special stamp serves as a lasting reminder of Barbara Bush’s enduring love for family and friends, sharp wit and unwavering commitment to solve the problems of today by ensuring that every man, woman and child has the opportunity to read, write and comprehend.”

According to the USPS, the June 10 first-day ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time at Ganny’s Garden on the River Green, 48 Ocean Ave., in Kennebunkport. Those wishing to attend are asked to register online with the USPS at https://usps.com/barbarabushstamp.

Bush will become the eighth first lady whose image is featured on a U.S. stamp.

The stamp is being issued in the year of Bush’s 100th birthday, following a tradition set by the Lady Bird Johnson souvenir sheet (Scott 4716) issued in 2012 to mark Johnson’s birth centennial.

The other six first ladies to have U.S. stamps issued in their honor include Martha Washington, who appeared on stamps in 1902 (Scott 306), 1923 (556), 1927 (636) and 1938 (805).

Dolley Madison is featured on a 1980 stamp (Scott 1822), and Abigail Adams is shown on a stamp (2146) issued in 1985. A Love stamp (3499) issued in 2001 shows part of a love letter Adams wrote to her husband, John Adams.

Eleanor Roosevelt appears on stamps issued in 1963 (Scott 1236), 1984 (2105) and 1998 (3185d).

Nancy Reagan is featured on a stamp (Scott 5702) issued in 2022. Two years later, in 2024, Betty Ford was honored on a stamp (5852).

Additional details about the forthcoming Barbara Bush forever commemorative stamp will be published in a future issue of Linn’s Stamp News.

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