American Topical Association

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 60 countries. ATA publishes Topical Time, its bimonthly journal. It also publishes numerous handbooks and maintains checklists of philatelic material organized by topics. The organization runs the National Topical Stamp Show as well as supporting 50+ study units on various topics and 40+ local chapters.

The American Topical Association is an affiliate of the American Philatelic Society.

Topical Time is the official journal of the American Topical Association. It is a 92-page bi-monthly publication. It is available in both printed and electronic editions. The journal includes illustrated and informative topical articles, checklists and dealer advertising. Among the regular features in Topical Time are "Publication Reviews", "Postmark Pursuit", "Chapter Chatter", and "Units in Action".

ATA members receive six issues of Topical Time with each year of membership. Back issues of the journal are available for $5.00 each.Topical Time depends on its readers for articles. Therefore, all ATA members are welcome to submit manuscripts for publication consideration. To contact the editor please send all inquires and questions to the editor. Address your letter to : Topical Time, Wayne Youngblood, 705 Forest Glen Circle, Prairie du Sac, WI 53578-1077.

American Topical Association Chapters are geographical stamp clubs who have affiliated with the ATA. These chapters meet throughout the United States. There are a total of 25 chapters, including 5 Canadian and 4 international chapters located in Australia, Great Britain and South Africa.

The Distinguished Topical Philatelist (DTP) designation is awarded for service to topical philately in general and to the ATA in particular. It was established in 1952 by ATA's founder Gerry Husak and has been presented to over 120 individuals, including residents of Canada, Great Britain, Italy, and the United States, since its inception. This is the most prestigious award given by the ATA.

This ATA-sponsored annual show features an all-thematic philatelic exhibition and a 30+ dealer bourse offering a variety of philatelic material for collectors. In addition several cachet makers offer their distinctive and unique covers. There are also many meetings, seminars, youth activities, free stamp appraisals and special touring events. The picture below is of the ATA table at New York 2016 World Stamp Show Exhibition which was held at the Javits Convention Center in New York City. Vera Felts, the Executive Director of the ATA can be seen on the left hand side of the photo.

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