ATA Halloween Checklist and Crossword Puzzle

The American Topical Association (ATA) has a free Halloween checklist and  Halloween crossword puzzle on the organization's website in both Excel and .pdf format through October 31.

According to a press release from the ATA, "The new Halloween checklist comprises 285 philatelic items relating to such themes as black cats, bats, owls, witches, spiders, monsters, ghosts, and horror stories. Combining these various topics into a single Halloween-themed checklist is a 'first.' The checklist has been made possible through the combined work of several ATA members, notably ATA Board Member Jean Stout of Pearl, Miss."

It goes on to say, "The first section of the ATA checklist includes stamps issued by postal authorities and listed in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue. The second section lists stamps and 'cinderellas' that are not listed in the catalog. The third section lists other philatelic items not usually listed in the general Scott Catalogue, including cancellations, air letter sheets, booklet covers, meter stamps, postal cards, postmarks, stamped envelopes and wrappers."

The Halloween crossword puzzle offered on the ATA website is courtesy of Australian member Will Cochrane, whose popular website is found at www.philatelicdatabase.com. A large variety of philatelic material related to popular topics/themes is always found on the website. Other interactive crossword puzzles using topical themes (including one with ATA as the subject) are also available on the site.

To learn more and see some of the Halloween stamps listed, click here.