Emancipation Proclamation commemorative covers available in Norwich

Norwich — As Norwich opens its gala celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation on Tuesday with bells ringing and cannons firing, a special event post office will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Wauregan Ballroom.

The postal station will sell commemorative covers, which are envelopes depicting the Emancipation Proclamation over a draped American flag, with the new Emancipation Proclamation stamp issued that day. The stamp is a replica of the 1963 stamp issued for the 100th anniversary of Lincoln's order that declared slaves in the rebellious southern states to be freed. The stamps will be canceled with the special "Let Freedom Ring, Norwich CT" cancellation designed by students at Norwich Free Academy.

Canceled commemorative covers will be sold for $2. Emancipation Proclamation stamps and other 45-cent "forever" Civil War and related stamps will be sold at the station.