Charleston, SC, August 5, 2025

News Summary

The U.S. Postal Service will celebrate its 250th anniversary in Charleston, SC, on August 6, with the installation of Shannon Verastequi as the first female Postmaster. The public ceremony will include speeches, activities, and the launch of new postage stamps. This milestone highlights the history of USPS and its role in connecting communities across America.

Charleston to Celebrate USPS Milestone with First Female Postmaster Installation

CHARLESTON, SC – The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is set to celebrate its remarkable 250th anniversary with a significant event at the Charleston Post Office on August 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. EST. This occasion will not only commemorate the history of the postal service but will also mark a momentous milestone with the installation of Shannon Verastequi as Charleston’s first female Postmaster.

Attending the ceremony will be key figures such as Paul Birge, the district manager for South Carolina, alongside Shannon Verastequi. The event will feature a variety of commemorative speeches and activities, emphasizing both the rich traditions and the advancements made in the postal service over the years. The ceremony is open to the public, with opportunities for attendees to engage with postal officials and learn more about the history and future of USPS.

To participate in the celebration on social media, attendees are encouraged to use the hashtag #250YearsOfDelivering. Public parking is available nearby at 93 Queen St., along with additional street parking options.

Historical Significance of the USPS

The USPS was established in 1775 and holds a special place in history, even being mentioned in the U.S. Constitution due to its significant role in aiding American independence. The postal service has been pivotal in connecting individuals, communities, and businesses through the exchange of ideas, information, and goods, currently handling 44% of global mail despite the U.S. comprising just 4% of the world’s population.

As part of the 250th anniversary celebration, the USPS will also launch a series of new postage stamps titled “250 Years of Delivering”. These stamps, featuring artwork by Chris Ware and co-designed with Antonio Alcalá, illustrate the journey of a mail carrier throughout the seasons. Additionally, a prestige booklet entitled “Putting a Stamp on the American Experience” will be released, including a modern interpretation of a 5-cent stamp that features the iconic Benjamin Franklin, who was appointed as the postmaster general of the Colonies back in 1775.

Current Structure and Modernization Efforts

The USPS operates as a self-financing independent federal establishment, delivering mail and products to nearly 169 million addresses across the United States. It functions under the oversight of a bipartisan Board of Governors and does not rely on tax dollars for operational expenses, instead depending on the sale of postage and products for funding.

The organization is undertaking a 10-year transformation plan titled “Delivering for America”, aimed at modernizing its operations and services to meet the evolving needs of Americans. Throughout its existence, the USPS has maintained its commitment to delivering mail reliably and affordably, famously weathering challenges “in snow, rain, heat, and gloom of night.”

Conclusion

The upcoming event in Charleston is set to be a historic occasion, not only for the local community but for the entire postal service as it reflects on its past and looks toward an innovative future.

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Additional Resources

• USPS News Release
• Wikipedia: United States Postal Service
• ABC News 4
• Google Search: Postal Service Anniversary
• WV Metro News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: United States Postal Service
• Live 5 News
• Google News: USPS Changes

Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.