I’ve created a proposal is to submit “Shape-Note Singing” as a theme for a commemorative U.S. postage stamp to the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee. Submissions can only happen once every three years, so I’ve been soliciting feedback from others in the community. I have gotten a few words of support, but welcome constructive critiques!

The proposal outlines historical significance, design ideas, and the possibility of an unveiling ceremony at the Sacred Harp Museum in Georgia. While I recognize that this is an ambitious attempt, I believe it has the potential to resonate as a charming and meaningful series of postage stamps, and the awareness that may come with that.

I would love to hear your thoughts, suggestions, or ideas to refine the proposal. I have never attempted such a thing as this, and the “Advisory Committee” offers no suggestions as to the form the proposals should take: https://about.usps.com/who/csac/

If you’d like to make a comment, suggestion or critique, please email Kevin Isaac – baltimoreshapenote at gmail dot com

Notice to readers, this will be sent off in the first week of January 2025.
Please provide feedback well before that time.

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Proposal to the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee

Commemorative Postage Stamp Theme for Shape-Note Singing

Proposal Overview

I am writing to propose that the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee consider Shape-Note Singing, as a theme for a commemorative U.S. postage stamp. Shape-note singing, one of the oldest forms of egalitarian communal music-making in America, and one of America’s oldest unique musical idioms, holds deep historical significance and continues to thrive not only in the United States but across the globe. Recognizing this tradition with a stamp would honor a unique aspect of American cultural heritage and celebrate the global spread of a distinctly American musical form in the 21st century. It is distinguished by its powerful, participatory style of a cappella singing, with a focus on inclusion and community, where anyone can join regardless of musical training.

Historical and Cultural Significance of Shape-Note Singing

Shape-note singing, developed in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, was designed to make musical literacy accessible through the use of a simple system of notation that employs shapes to represent musical notes. This democratized music education for rural and frontier communities, originating in early New England and then moving out West and to the South. The publication of The Sacred Harp in 1844 solidified the shape-note tradition and spread it throughout the U.S., where it continues to be practiced today in small towns and major cities alike. The tunebook has been in continuous print since that time, and has been updated many times, mixing new tunes with old, for each generation. 

Shape-note style music was a significant influence on later American musical forms celebrated by stamps issued by the USPS: Gospel Singers (1998), Bluegrass (2024), Folk Musicians (1998), Country & Western Music (1993).

Key aspects of the cultural importance of shape-note singing include:

• A Distinct American Tradition: While rooted in European hymnody, shape-note singing is a uniquely American invention, reflecting the early religious and social life of frontier communities. It is one of the few remaining forms of early American folk hymnody still actively practiced.
• Inclusive and Egalitarian Tradition: Sacred Harp singings are inherently democratic and inclusive. Every participant’s voice is equal, and there are no soloists, rehearsals, or performances. The emphasis is on the participatory experience of singing together, which fosters a strong sense of community and shared purpose. This focus on inclusivity and communal engagement makes shape-note singing a powerful symbol of unity and shared cultural expression.
• Musical Heritage: Sacred Harp style music has deeply influenced American musical genres such as gospel, bluegrass, and folk. Its distinctive, open-throated harmonies are a hallmark of rural American music traditions and continue to inspire musicians today. The tune “Amazing Grace” as we know it today was first published in William Walker’s shape-note tunebook The Southern Harmony under the title “New Britain”, and still goes by that name in The Sacred Harp.
• Cultural Preservation and Global Appeal: Once confined primarily to rural Southern communities, Sacred Harp singing has experienced a remarkable resurgence in the 21st century, not only across the U.S. but internationally. Today, regular Sacred Harp singing events are held in countries such as Ireland, England, Germany, France, Norway, Australia, and Japan. This global spread reflects the universal appeal of the tradition and its ability to transcend cultural boundaries while maintaining its distinctly American roots.

Justification for a Commemorative Stamp

A postage stamp celebrating shape-note singing would serve to highlight a vital piece of America’s cultural heritage while also recognizing its global reach. Such a stamp would:

• Celebrate American Music’s Global Influence: By recognizing shape-note singing, the U.S. would acknowledge the cultural export of one of its oldest musical traditions and its continued relevance both domestically and internationally.
• Promote Cultural Education: Issuing a stamp would increase public awareness of this lesser-known but significant part of American history, especially among younger generations who may be unfamiliar with the tradition.
• Honor Rural and Religious Communities: Many small communities, particularly in the Southern U.S., have preserved and passed down shape-note singing for over two centuries. A stamp would acknowledge the contributions of these communities to American culture.
• Foster International Cultural Connection: The global flourishing of Sacred Harp singing demonstrates the power of music to build cross-cultural connections. A stamp would symbolize the ability of American folk traditions to resonate with people worldwide, fostering a sense of shared heritage.

Design Suggestions

For the design of the stamp, I propose elements that capture both the historical significance and the international spread of shape-note singing:

• Visual Imagery: The stamp could depict a traditional Sacred Harp singing group seated in a hollow square formation, capturing the essence of its participatory nature. Additionally, the inclusion of singers from different nations could represent the international reach of the tradition.
• Symbolic Representation: An image of the open Sacred Harp tunebook, showcasing the unique shape-note notation system, could be accompanied by visual elements representing different countries, symbolizing the global spread of this American tradition.
• Important figures in Shape-Note Singing: Benjamin Franklin White (1800-1879), compiler of The Sacred Harp; William Walker (1809-1875), a prominent early compiler of shape-note tunebooks, including The Southern Harmony and The Christian Harmony; William Billings (1746-1800) created the first uniquely American composition style, published his own works, with “Chester” serving as an unofficial anthem during the Revolutionary War; and Hugh McGraw (1932-2004), a revered Sacred Harp singer, teacher, and promoter whose efforts significantly contributed to the revival and preservation of the Sacred Harp tradition in the late 20th century.
• Incorporating Historical and Modern Elements: The stamp could juxtapose historical images of early American singings with modern-day Sacred Harp events, visually connecting the tradition’s deep roots with its current global presence.

Proposed Ceremony at the Sacred Harp Museum

To mark the release of the commemorative stamp, I propose that a stamp unveiling ceremony be held at the Sacred Harp Museum, located in Carrollton, Georgia. This museum was established to preserve and promote the history and heritage of Sacred Harp style shape-note singing, making it the perfect venue to celebrate the tradition’s recognition by the U.S. Postal Service.

Key points about the museum and the event:

• Historical Significance: The Sacred Harp Museum houses a rich collection of historical materials, including tunebooks, recordings, and artifacts that document the evolution of this style of shape-note music. It plays a crucial role in preserving the tradition and educating future generations about its importance.
• Community Engagement: A ceremony at the museum would engage the local community, which has long been a steward of Sacred Harp singing, while also attracting new and long-time singers and enthusiasts from across the country and around the world.
• Event Structure: The event could include an “All Day Singing” performance by local and visiting Sacred Harp singers, allowing attendees to experience the tradition firsthand. Guest speakers could include music historians, shape-note singing leaders, and representatives from the U.S. Postal Service, discussing the cultural significance of Sacred Harp and its global impact.
• Cultural Awareness: Hosting the ceremony at the Sacred Harp Museum would draw attention to the importance of historical preservation efforts, helping to ensure that Sacred Harp singing continues to thrive for future generations.

Conclusion

Shape-note singing, particularly the Sacred Harp style music, represents a vital part of America’s cultural heritage and continues to influence music and communities worldwide. A commemorative stamp would celebrate not only the tradition’s historical significance but also its enduring relevance in the 21st century. The proposed stamp unveiling ceremony at the Sacred Harp Museum would further honor the legacy of this remarkable tradition and raise awareness about its importance.

Thank you for considering this proposal.