FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Nov. 29, 2007
CONTACT:  Jeff Mammenga, (605) 773-6000, Jeff.Mammenga@state.sd.us

Paulson’s stamps coming to Cultural Heritage Center

PIERRE, S.D. -- Marv Paulson of Pierre has been collecting stamps for about 65 years. And he has no intention of quitting his hobby.

Paulson will be bringing his stamp collection to the lobby of the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center this Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 1-2. The building is open 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. on Saturday and 1-4:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Paulson said he got interested in collecting stamps as a youth living northwest of Hayes when a neighbor friend also began the hobby.

Paulson now has more than 3,500 different United States stamps dating back to early in the 20^th century and more than 10,000 different foreign samples.

“I never throw a stamp away,” Paulson said, adding that he only collects used stamps. “Over the years, whenever I saw I stamp, I took it.”

Paulson gets stamps from a variety of sources. And if he doesn’t want stamps given to him, he will donate them to charitable organizations or other collectors.

He will be bringing several albums of both U.S. and foreign stamps to the Cultural Heritage Center. In addition, Paulson will have several extra samples on hand for people to take, whether they are experienced or novice collectors.

The State Archives, as it is every first Saturday of the month, will be open for researchers from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Also both Saturday and Sunday, an exhibit of American Indian artifacts recently donated to the South Dakota State Historical Society by the Schoessler Family will be on display in the education room. And on Sunday, Lakota artist Donald F. Montileaux of Rapid City, illustrator of the award-winning Tatanka and the Lakota People, will be present for a book signing and art show and sale.

Visitors to the Cultural Heritage Center can also see a display of miniature replicas of historic buildings in Pierre through Wednesday, Jan. 2. The buildings include the State Capitol, First United Methodist Church, the American Legion Cabin, the Soldiers and Sailors Building, the South Dakota Discovery Center, the Pringle Apartments, and the Woster and Bjork Houses.

Through Monday, Dec. 24, the Cultural Heritage Center, headquarters of the South Dakota State Historical Society, will be open extended hours to accommodate holiday visitors. Museum hours will be 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-4:30 p.m. on Sundays.

Call (605) 773-6000 for more information.