The Postal Service dedicated its Henry David Thoreau stamp May 23 during a ceremony that featured actor and environmentalist Ed Begley Jr. and other admirers.
The dedication was held at the Walden Pond State Reservation Visitors Center in Concord, MA.
Thoreau, a celebrated writer, philosopher and naturalist, lived at Walden Pond from 1845-1847. His experience there served as the inspiration for his most famous book, “Walden.”
“Thoreau was one of the great thinkers in this country’s history on a wide variety of subjects, and the expression on his face in the stamp image captures his introspective and inquisitive nature,” said USPS General Counsel Tom Marshall, who dedicated the stamp.
Begley, a board member of the Walden Woods Project, a group that works to preserve Thoreau’s legacy, said the stamp “reminds us of his continuing influence regarding 21st century global environmental and social reform challenges.”
Other speakers included Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton, Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Leo Roy and Michael Lawson, chair of the town of Concord.
The stamp showcases an oil painting of Thoreau’s face based on a famous 1856 image.
The stamp is available at Post Offices and usps.com. The May 23 news release has more information.
