US Stamps

Liebson replaces Drews on APRL board of trustees

Apr 29, 2024, 11 AM

By Linn’s Staff

On April 10, the board of trustees of the American Philatelic Research Library selected Matthew Liebson to replace Rich Drews as a member of the board.

The American Philatelic Society announced Liebson’s appointment April 11 on the society’s website. His term runs through August 2028 and represents the founders, patrons and Vooys fellows on the board.

Drews stepped down from the APRL board in late February to dedicate more time to the Indypex show and other philatelic events, the APS said.

Liebson brings a wealth of experience to his new role. As a former chairman of the APS membership committee, a philatelic judge, and a regular contributor to the American Philatelist, his contributions to the APS are well known. He joined the APS in 1992, focusing on postal history. He also is a part-time online dealer.

Liebson is a longtime member of the Garfield-Perry Stamp Club in Ohio and currently acts as the bourse co-chairman for its annual World Series of Philately stamp show, the Garfield-Perry March Party.

“We are delighted to welcome Matt back to a leadership role with the APRL,” said APS executive director Scott English. “His return comes at a crucial time as we strive to expand the Robert A. Mason Digital Library and enhance our digital preservation efforts. With his expertise, Matt will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in these discussions in the coming months and years, ensuring a seamless transition and a bright future for the APRL.”

In his statement to the APRL board, Liebson emphasized the critical role of the APRL and the deep literary heritage of the hobby.

“Stamp collecting has the largest and greatest literature of any hobby, and the APRL is uniquely situated to preserve and share this wealth of information,” Liebson said. “The [Mason] digital library has a critical role going forward as the hobby evolves, as APS continues reaching out to nontraditional collectors, and collectors want information at their fingertips.”

“As a philatelic author, exhibitor, and judge, I am well acquainted with the world of philatelic research and the role it has to play for both traditional and nontraditional collectors,” Liebson said. “As an experienced business lawyer, I can contribute to the primary business functions of the APRL and its stewardship of the American Philatelic Center.”

The APS and APRL are housed in the American Philatelic Center in Bellefonte, Pa. To learn more, visit the APS website.

Connect with Linn’s Stamp News: 

    Sign up for our newsletter

    Like us on Facebook

    Follow us on Twitter