The Bermuda Collectors Society (BCS) is made up of just over 100 members from all over the world – each with a shared interest in some aspect of Bermuda Philately.
Member’s interests range from early postal history from the late 1600s right the way through to the Queen Victoria, the Boer War, KGV, WWI, KGVI, WWII, QEII and modern times.
The Society also has many members whose primary interest is in the stamps Bermuda has produced from 1848 until the present day. Some collect covers, postcards or fiscal items such as airline tickets – just as long as there’s a stamp on it!
The BCS caters for ALL levels of collector from novice to the seasoned specialist. Whichever level you are at we want you to join the BCS.
Our story
Founded in 1986 by a small group of collectors with a common interest in Bermuda, the society has grown, so that in 2016 we have some 150 members. The membership is truly international with members in Australia, Bermuda, Canada, Germany, Guernsey, New Zealand, Spain, Switzerland, United States of America and the United Kingdom. Many of the members have published specialist works on Bermuda related topics including Airmails, Censorship, Postcards together with definitive works on stamp issues.
Founding Members Oct 1986
- Tom Bansak
- Bob Dickgeisser
- Art Hamm
- George King
- Harry Whitin
- Phoebe MacGillivary
- Tom McMahon
- Bob Rand
- Reid Shaw
Each of the above contributed $100 to get things going along with a “sizeable donation” from Charles Freeland.
The founding members, acting as the Executive Board, decided to publish the Bermuda Post quarterly in October, January, April and July with Reid Shaw as the first President and Editor.
Immediately following the establishment of the BCS, “Letters of Invitation” were sent to all known Bermuda collectors. In April 1987 Tom McMahon was named Secretary-Treasurer and reported the membership had reached 193.
Six years later, in December, 1992, the Bermuda Collectors Society incorporated as a non-profit corporation and was required by its By-Laws to elect Officers and a Board of Directors. Thomas Olson, a member and a California attorney, handled the Incorporation.
Below is a list of members who have held the Bermuda Collectors Society offices over the years.