Peggy J. Slusser Memorial Philatelic Library

920 N. 1st Avenue
Tucson, Arizona
Telephone: 520-623-6652
phf3@mindpsring.com


Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 8am-3pm.
                    Free tours available by walk-in or appointment basis.

Contact Person: Richard King, Library Committee Chair
                Tel: 520-419-6577
Librarian

Charlotte Cushman serves as librarian at the Slusser Memorial Philatelic 
Library. She can assist visitors with general inquiries concerning the 
collection, as well as with individual research. She is available in the 
library Monday-Friday 8am-12pm, by phone at 623-6652 ext 107, or by email 
at ccushman.phf@mindspring.com.

The Slusser Memorial Philatelic Library houses a collection of over 30,000 books, 
journals, catalogs, stamp show publications, photo and map archives, and other 
reference items related to the philatelic history of the United States, 
especially the Western States, U.S. postal history and worldwide philatelic history.

Dedicated in October 1996, the library is adjacent to the Postal History Foundation 
in the unique West University Historic Neighborhood District.  Its aesthetic appeal 
and architectural features have received national distinction. It features a spacious 
reading room, exhibit area, and book and catalog sections. Most importantly, it has 
become one of the most recognized repositories of philatelic literature in the United 
States. Its material is an excellent resource for students, educators, historians and 
researchers.

A trip to the Slusser Library is guaranteed to be worthwhile.  We look forward to 
your visit! 

History: A generous gift from the parents of Peggy J. Slusser made it possible for 
the Foundation to construct the Slusser Memorial Philatelic Library in 1996. Ms. Slusser 
was a bright, active woman who passed away at the early age of 51. From childhood, she 
became interested in stamp collecting and Civil War memorabilia. Her main collecting 
interest was the Confederate States, U.S. stamps and modern U.S. errors and her original 
childhood album is among the personal effects retained in the Slusser Library. 

The building was designed by award-winning architect Les Wallach. It was originally 
conceived as a regional library of western U.S postal history with exhibit space for 
Peggy Slusser’s collection of Civil War memorabilia. Over the past decade, the library 
has substantially expanded its holdings and continues to provide an opportunity for 
research and other educational purposes encompassing a wide range of interests.

The Slusser Library is a member of the Arizona State Library Association and the American 
Philatelic Research Library, as well as other state and regional associations.

Special Collections: The Civil War collection consists of in-house reading and 
reference materials dedicated to the Civil War. Materials are currently being augmented 
by a recent donation and the entire collection is being catalogued for ease of use.

Exhibits: The library features special exhibits throughout the year, including a 
permanent collection of rare Civil War artifacts.  The 2008 exhibit schedule is as 
follows (contact us for exact dates):

*October-December Pony Express and early US mail transport services
  
Staff:  The library has very knowledgeable, friendly volunteers available on 
Wednesdays from 10am-2pm or by appointment. Please contact phf3@mindspring.com or 
520-623-6652 to schedule an appointment. 

User Policy: The general public is welcome to access library materials during 
regular hours. Items may be checked out only by Foundation members (membership is 
$35 annually). Any member of a philatelic organization can order photocopies of Slusser 
Library or other library reference materials for 10c per page.

Library Committee: This group provides oversight and direction regarding the 
library and meets regularly. Current members include Richard King, John Wynns, Frank 
Mallalieu, Paul Nelson and Kelly McLear.  Individuals with library management experience 
are welcome to participate; please contact Richard King if interested.

Sales: Duplicate philatelic literature is always available in the Foundation sales 
department. Proceeds from these items benefit the Slusser Library. Expect to find 
excellent prices and a wide selection!

Facility Use: The library reading room and outdoor courtyard are available year-round 
for meetings, trainings, weddings and other special events on a suggested donation basis.  
For details, contact Kelly McLear at  kmclear.phf@mindspring.com  
or at 520-623-6652, ext 101 or Lisa Dembowski @ ext 102.

Donations: The Slusser Library is a program of the Postal History Foundation 
which is a 501©(3) non-profit organization.  We gratefully accept monetary and in-kind 
donations of all types of philatelic literature. Donors receive written acknowledgement 
for IRS tax purposes and your donation is covered by the Donor's Bill of Rights. 
   

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Postal History Foundation, 920 N. First Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719