American Philatelic Society

About

American Philatelic Center

A Historical Treasure with a Bright Future

The APS moved into its new home in May of 2004. This amazing historical complex is made up of 18 buildings on seven acres and is entered in the National Register of Historical Places. Much of the former industrial complex was constructed under the direction of the Pennsylvania Match Factory (1899-1922).

Here we have provided links to walk you through our buildings' history and into the place that we now call home:

1899 - 1922	The Pennsylvania Match Company The match factory is built and match production begins. Read history
1923 - 1941	The Federal Match Company Purchased the buildings and continued match production. Read history
1941 - 1947	Universal Match Corporation Purchased the complex for the final years of match production. Read history
1947 - 1996	Clasters Lumber Purchased the complex and used the facility as their headquarters and retail outlet until 1996.
1996	A consortium purchased the complex with hopes of using the facility as a regional brewery. These plans fell through.
2000 - 2002	Borough of Bellefonte Borough takes ownership of the complex with high hopes of a future renovation.
2002	American Philatelic Society The APS purchases its new home and our story begins. Vision for the future 2002 - Phase 1 2003/2004 - Phase 2 2005 - Phase 3 2007/2008 - Phase 4 2010/2011 - Phase 5