American Topical Association
Encyclopedia
The American Topical Association (ATA) is a US
-based philatelic
society and the largest organization devoted to topical stamp collecting
. It was established in 1949, and currently serves members in over 90 countries. ATA publishes Topical Time, its bimonthly journal. It also publishes various handbook
s dealing with various topics as well as maintaining checklist
s of philatelic material organized by topics. The organization also runs the National Topical Stamp Show, its annual convention, as well as supporting 49 study units on various topics and 32 local chapters.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
-based philatelic
Philately
Philately is the study of stamps and postal history and other related items. Philately involves more than just stamp collecting, which does not necessarily involve the study of stamps. It is possible to be a philatelist without owning any stamps...
society and the largest organization devoted to topical stamp collecting
Topical stamp collecting
Topical or thematic stamp collecting is the collecting of postage stamps relating to a particular subject or concept. Topics can be almost anything, from stamps on stamps, birds on stamps, to famous physicians, to the history of England.- Background :...
. It was established in 1949, and currently serves members in over 90 countries. ATA publishes Topical Time, its bimonthly journal. It also publishes various handbook
Handbook
A handbook is a type of reference work, or other collection of instructions, that is intended to provide ready reference .A handbook is sometimes referred to as a vade mecum or pocket reference that is intended to be carried at all times.Handbooks may deal with any topic, and are generally...
s dealing with various topics as well as maintaining checklist
Checklist
A checklist is a type of informational job aid used to reduce failure by compensating for potential limits of human memory and attention. It helps to ensure consistency and completeness in carrying out a task...
s of philatelic material organized by topics. The organization also runs the National Topical Stamp Show, its annual convention, as well as supporting 49 study units on various topics and 32 local chapters.