![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090116005304im_/http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/images/common/circle_exhibits.gif)
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090116005304im_/http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/images/common/spacer.gif)
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![Portrait of Benjamin Franklin](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090116005304im_/http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/images/exhibits/2a_1_starting.gif)
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090116005304im_/http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/images/common/spacer.gif)
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Starting the System
documents America's increasing need for a mail system to ensure the free flow of information between citizens and their government.
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090116005304im_/http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/images/common/circle_exhibits.gif)
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090116005304im_/http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/images/common/spacer.gif)
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![Rows of newspapers](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090116005304im_/http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/images/exhibits/2a_2_post.gif)
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090116005304im_/http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/images/common/spacer.gif)
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The Post and the Press
explores the connection between the open flow of information and securing a democracy.
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090116005304im_/http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/images/common/circle_exhibits.gif)
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090116005304im_/http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/images/common/spacer.gif)
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![Gallery display of maps and ship models](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090116005304im_/http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/images/exhibits/2a_3_expanding.gif)
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090116005304im_/http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/images/common/spacer.gif)
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The Expanding Nation
demonstrates how the postal service used waterways and ocean vessels to ensure mail service to individuals as the nation's boundaries grew.
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090116005304im_/http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/images/common/circle_exhibits.gif)
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090116005304im_/http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/images/common/spacer.gif)
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![Recreated mudwagon stagecoach](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090116005304im_/http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/images/exhibits/2a_4_moving.gif)
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090116005304im_/http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/images/common/spacer.gif)
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Moving West
illustrates the importance of mail to the growing frontier populations and explains how the postal service contracted with stagecoach lines to move the mail across the frontier.
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090116005304im_/http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/images/common/circle_exhibits.gif)
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090116005304im_/http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/images/common/spacer.gif)
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![Gallery display of Pony Express memorabilia](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090116005304im_/http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/images/exhibits/2a_5_pony.gif)
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090116005304im_/http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/images/common/spacer.gif)
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The Pony Express
looks at the legend and the reality of one of America's most famous mail delivery services.
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090116005304im_/http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/images/common/circle_exhibits.gif)
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090116005304im_/http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/images/common/spacer.gif)
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![Black and white photograph of union army mail wagon](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090116005304im_/http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/images/exhibits/2a_6_nation.gif)
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090116005304im_/http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/images/common/spacer.gif)
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A Nation Divided
examines the role of the postal service during the Civil War. Although the exhibit is not currently on display in the Museum, selected portions of the exhibit are still available online.
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