The Society of Australasian Specialists/Oceania was founded in 1936. The society is a global community of several hundred collectors that share an interest in the stamps and postal history of Australia, New Zealand, and the islands of the south and central Pacific Ocean. The society is based in the USA, however, we welcome members from around the World and the current roster of directors and officers includes members from Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom.
The SAS/O conducts an Annual General Meeting, each year, in conjunction with a major philatelic show. Participation is encouraged in the exhibits at the affiliated show and the society sponsors special Gold, Silver and Bronze medals for the three best exhibits with an Australasian theme. It is also a wonderful opportunity to form lifelong friendships with other collectors who share your enthusiasm for Australasia.
Over the years, the society has built a significant philatelic research library, focused on Australasia and Oceania. There are more than 2500 items in the library that are made available to current members. Research assistance, photocopies, and the loan of library materials are all major benefits of membership, not to mention the network of members who volunteer as area specialists (who represent a significant pool of expertise) and would be happy to respond to your inquiries.
Occasionally, the society has held “Member Only” auctions and it is the intention to continue these in the future.
The most visible benefit of membership is “The Informer”, the quarterly journal of the society. It has been published continuously since the inception of the society in 1936. Each issue contains a wide range of information and news, and in full color! The Informer not only serves as journal of record for research and new discoveries, but also provides notice of new book releases, publication reviews, details of websites that may interest members, members’ awards and accomplishments, general membership news and information about philatelic events that may interest members. It is the lifeline of the society and it is well supported by members with a steady stream of serious research and review articles. Unlike some commercially based magazines, we dedicate about 60% of the total space to philatelic articles with only about 20% allocated to advertising and another 20% allocated to society and membership news.
After all is said and done, however, the greatest benefit of membership in the SAS/O is the personal associations that often develop. Members often arrange to meet at local, regional and national events as well as other informal get-togethers. Many members have visited back and forth, often travelling thousands of miles to do so, and many lifelong friendships have evolved as a result. It’s great to be able to share with someone who appreciates the significance of a new discovery or the value of a new research study.
Become a member today and begin to enjoy the benefits of belonging to the SAS/O. Membership is only $17 per year in North America and $24 elsewhere. If you would like to receive a complimentary copy of The Informer, please send your request to the Editor.
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