As the Revolutionary War unfolded and a new nation struggled toward independence, the Continental Congress took a decisive step to bind the colonies together: it established the United States Post Office. In the midst of conflict, leaders understood that communication was essential. Letters carried military intelligence, political ideas, personal news, and the connective tissue of a growing republic. The postal system became one of the earliest and most enduring institutions of the United States.

As part of Beverly’s Rev 250 commemorations, join Historic Beverly at the Cabot House for an engaging exploration of the history of the mail, from its Revolutionary-era origins to present day. This lively program will trace the development of the postal service, highlighting how routes were created, how post offices shaped communities, and how communication technologies evolved over time.

We will also take a closer look at Beverly’s own postal history, including the story of its local post offices and the ways in which mail service reflected the city’s growth and identity.

In the second half of the program, we will demystify the ZIP code. What do those five digits really mean? How are they assigned? And what can they tell us about geography, logistics, and the organization of modern life? By the end of the evening, you will never look at an envelope the same way again.