FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 20, 2026
Wabasha, MN – As the United States celebrates its 250th Anniversary in 2026, the U.S. Postal Service will honor our National Bird, the Bald Eagle, with a commemorative Forever stamp. A first-day-of-issue ceremony is planned for Thursday, May 14 at 11:00 a.m. in the Riverfront Auditorium at the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, the Eagle Capital of America.
Intrinsic to the national identity of the United States since the early days of the republic, Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) have appeared on numerous stamps over the years. For a new take on this American icon, the stamp sheet, titled “Bald Eagle: Hatchling to Adult”, will consist of 20 stamps featuring five realistic illustrations of Bald Eagles at different stages of life. Designed by Derry Noyes, the stamps feature original paintings by preeminent ornithologist, illustrator and field guide author David Allen Sibley.
“We are very excited to partner with the Postal Service to host this event in May,” said Ed Hahn, Director of Development and Marketing Communications at the Center. “This will be the first time in Wabasha’s long history that the first stamps issued (first day cancel) will happen here. It’s a historic moment for Wabasha, our nation, the National Eagle Center, Bald Eagles, and important for collectors. We’re thrilled to be a part of it!”
The selvage shows a photograph by Craig Goodwin of an adult eagle perched behind two hatchlings in a nest. The issuance title, “Bald Eagle: Hatchling to Adult” is printed in large, white lettering. At the top right or left of each stamp, the words “Bald Eagle” and the corresponding life stage (one week old, four weeks old, one year old, two years old, and adult) are printed vertically in black. “Forever USA” appears at the top or bottom, in small lowercase type, also in black.
Preston Cook, collector of the singular American Eagle Collection, and the National Eagle Center were instrumental in advocating for legislation to officially designate the Bald Eagle as the National Bird of the United States. That legislation was co-sponsored by members of Minnesota’s bi-partisan Congressional delegation including Senator Amy Klobuchar (D), Senator Tina Smith (D), Representative Brad Finstad (R, MN1) and Representative Angie Craig (D, MN2). It was signed into law in December 2024.
In addition to being able to purchase the stamps, the Postal Service will have specially designed first-day covers for sale at the ceremony.
The Nation Eagle Center is open 10 a.m.-4:00 p.m. daily April through October.
For more information about the event on May 14, email info@nationaleaglecenter.org or call 651.565.4989. For more information on stamps and issuances, visit USPS.com or stampsforever.com. Attendees are encouraged to register at usps.com/baldeaglestamps.
About the National Eagle Center
The National Eagle Center is a nature center and museum located in Wabasha, MN. It is open daily and offers up-close eagle experiences, daily programs, wild eagle viewing, and the Preston Cook American Eagle Collection. For more information about the National Eagle Center, visit nationaleaglecenter.org or call 651.565.4989. The National Eagle Center is an equal opportunity provider.