Postal & Philatelic Services

 

As an authorized dealer for CanadaPost, the museum offers postal services  as an appropriate continuation of its original purpose.  All current definitive and commemorative stamps are offered for sale, and parcels can be mailed to any corner of the world.  United States postage, for use on self-addressed return mail,is also available.  A pictorial cancellation inaugurated in September of 2004 complements the York-Toronto 1833 circle.  A reproduction of the historic cancel, in red ink (as exclusively used by Postmaster James Scott Howard in the 1830s) can also be applied to letter-mail. 

 

Postal Box Rentals
Our boxes are reproductions of the 19th century originals once rented by such notables as William Lyon Mackenzie, Thomas Ridout and Egerton Ryerson. They were reconstructed following the original 1834 bill sent from Alexander Hamilton, "looking glass manufacturer, carver and gilder," to the postmaster.

Current rental fees are $134.30 per year (minimum rental period), which includes HST and membership in the Town of York Historical Society (not optional). Your membership allows you to enjoy a 10% discount in our gift shop.

The reading room, with its original fire place, is available to customers wishing to write letters or postcards, address parcels, or apply stamps to wedding invitations.  Box holders often use this room to sort through and read their mail. 

 

Other services include bulk mail processing (on account) for small businesses, and the application of wax seals to invitations and other special letters.