CONTENT WARNING
Materials in the Library of Virginia’s collections contain historical terms, phrases, and images that are offensive to modern readers. These include demeaning and dehumanizing references to race, ethnicity, and nationality; enslaved or free status; physical and mental ability; and gender and sexual orientation.
Context
The 5-cent Battle of Gettysburg commemorative stamp is the third in a series of five stamps marking the Civil War Centennial from the U.S. Postal Service. Sales of the stamp began at the Gettysburg, Pennsylvania post office on July 1, 1963.
According to this broadside promoting its sale, the stamp was designed by Roy Gjertson of San Pedro, California. He submitted the winning entry in a nationwide competition for professional artists. The stamp depicts a Confederate soldier in a gray field and a Union soldier in a blue field representing the colors of their respective battle uniforms.
Definition: Broadsides were posters, announcing events or proclamations, or simply advertisements.
View and learn more about the stamps from this era from Smithsonian National Postal Museum.
Citation: 5-cent Battle of Gettysburg "Civil War Centennial" commemorative postage stamp, Washington, D.C.: U.S. Govt. Print. Off., 1963. Broadside 1963 .F5 FF, Manuscripts & Special Collections, Library of Virginia
Standards
Art: 4.1, 5.1
Suggested Questions
Preview Activities
Take A Look: Look at the image of the stamp, what do you notice about the image? What does the stamp represent?
Post Activities
Artistic Exploration: Design a commemorative stamp for the centennial of another American War. What symbols and color choices do you feel are important to convey the importance of the event you have chosen?
Social Media Spin: Create a post or tweet for the commemoration of the American Civil War. Including at least one image and provide a description of why you chose that image.