The Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum has launched One Minute Wonders, a new series of short-form videos designed to make postal history engaging and accessible for all audiences. Each one-minute episode spotlights a specific artifact, event or theme from the museum’s vast collection, offering concise, compelling stories about how the postal system has shaped communication, culture and innovation for over 250 years in the United States and for centuries around the globe.
From rare stamps and unconventional delivery methods to surprising historical anecdotes, One Minute Wonders presents postal history through captivating visuals with expert narration in a format that fits easily into viewers’ daily routines.
“You don’t need to be a stamp collector or history buff to enjoy these videos,” said Toby Mensforth, acting director of the museum. “Whether you have a few minutes on a coffee break or want to introduce your family to a slice of history, One Minute Wonders offers a quick, enriching experience for all ages.”
Inside the museum, visitors will find signage marking objects featured in the video series. Each display includes a QR code that links directly to its corresponding episode, providing behind-the-scenes insights, little-known facts and digital imagery that deepen visitors’ understanding of the objects on view and their historical context.
To reach audiences beyond the museum’s walls, the series is also available online via the museum’s website and YouTube channel. Viewers can watch anytime—at home, in classrooms or on the go—and are encouraged to share their favorite episodes, join the conversation and suggest topics for future installments.
The One Minute Wonders digital engagement series is made possible through the support of the Government Employees Health Association (G.E.H.A). “We were founded in 1937 by a group of Railway Postal Clerks who would pass the hat to help one another in times of need,” said Raj Vavilala, G.E.H.A’s chief sales, marketing and product officer. “As one of the largest health and dental benefit providers in the country exclusively serving federal and postal employees, military retirees and their families, we are honored to support the National Postal Museum in its pursuit to share engaging stories of the spirit of innovation and service of postal workers and postal history in such a unique way.”
The National Postal Museum will release more than 20 new One Minute Wonder videos annually, offering audiences a steady stream of concise, engaging stories drawn from the depth and diversity of the museum’s collection. On-site and online visitors from across the country and around the world will be invited to return often as new episodes bring a fresh perspective to the people, objects and moments that shaped America’s postal history. Educators and lifelong learners alike are encouraged to explore the series and return regularly as new episodes are introduced throughout the year.
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