1982 Wolf Trap Farm Park – First Day Cover | Performing Arts
This elegant 1982 First Day Cover celebrates Wolf Trap Farm Park, America’s first national park dedicated to the performing arts. The 20¢ stamp captures an outdoor performance scene, while the detailed ArtCraft cachet showcases the iconic Filene Center and performers, making it a treasured collectible for music, theater, and cultural heritage enthusiasts.
🧾 Key Points:
- Country: United States of America
- Date of Issue: September 1, 1982
- City of Cancellation: Vienna, VA
- Stamp Value: 20¢
- Theme: Wolf Trap Farm Park for the Performing Arts | The First Cultural Park
- Historical or Cultural Relevance: Honors Wolf Trap Farm Park, established as the nation’s first national park for the performing arts, providing a unique outdoor venue for music, dance, and theater in Vienna, Virginia
- Estimated Market Value: $5–$15 USD, depending on condition and demand
🖼️ Product Overview:
This First Day Cover features the official 20¢ Wolf Trap Farm Park commemorative stamp depicting a lively outdoor audience enjoying a performance. The left side presents a detailed black-and-white ArtCraft cachet illustrating the modern Filene Center amphitheater and performers in action.
Design Elements:
- 20¢ stamp showing an audience enjoying a performance at Wolf Trap Farm Park
- Prominent circular black postmark: “VIENNA, VA SEP 1 1982 22180”
- Cachet illustration of the distinctive Filene Center building with dancers and musicians
- Elegant script title “Wolf Trap Farm Park FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS VIENNA, VIRGINIA”
- “THE FIRST CULTURAL PARK” label and ArtCraft producer logo
- “Official First Day of Issue” at the top
Appeal to Collectors:
Perfect for enthusiasts of the performing arts, national parks, and cultural heritage stamps.
📚 Historical Context:
Issued on September 1, 1982, in Vienna, Virginia, this stamp celebrates Wolf Trap Farm Park, the only national park created specifically for the performing arts. Established through the vision of philanthropist Catherine Filene Shouse, the park opened in 1971 and has hosted countless legendary performances. The issuance recognizes its unique role in bringing high-quality arts to a broad audience in a beautiful natural setting.
💎 Collectible Value:
Typical Market Value or Rarity:
As a clean ArtCraft First Day Cover from this cultural landmark issue with a clear Vienna cancellation, it remains desirable for arts and park-themed collections and is typically valued in the $5–$15 range.
Who Would Be Interested:
- Collectors of U.S. performing arts and cultural venue stamps
- Enthusiasts of national parks and outdoor amphitheaters
- Philatelists focused on music, dance, and theater history
- Those building collections around Virginia landmarks and American cultural institutions
✨ Unexpected or Notable Details:
The cachet beautifully contrasts the modern architecture of the Filene Center with live performers, capturing the magic of an outdoor evening at Wolf Trap. Issued locally in Vienna, Virginia, the postmark ties the cover directly to the park’s location. This was the only U.S. stamp issued specifically for a national performing arts park, making it a unique piece of postal and cultural history.
Add this rare 1982 Wolf Trap Farm Park First Day Cover to your collection today!