The U.S. Postal Service has announced a new stamp honoring acclaimed Maine author Sarah Orne Jewett as part of its 2026 lineup of Forever stamps. Designed by Canadian illustrator Mark Summers, the stamp recognizes Jewett’s significant contributions to American literature, particularly within the realm of regionalism.
Born in 1849 in South Berwick, Maine, Jewett gained prominence in the 19th century as a novelist, short story writer, essayist, and poet. She began publishing her work as a teenager and went on to produce more than 300 literary pieces, which often drew inspiration from the people and landscapes surrounding her. The U.S. Postal Service describes her as “a foundational figure in American literary regionalism,” emphasizing her focus on the positive spirit of her native region.
Jewett’s intimate portrayals of her characters and their environments reveal her deep connection to Maine’s culture. The Postal Service highlighted her strong female characters, noting that they have contributed to a renewed interest in her work. In a press release, they stated that Jewett sought to balance individualism with communal values in her storytelling.
Jewett’s Legacy and Personal Life
Jewett’s personal life was marked by her close relationship with fellow writer Annie Fields. The two spent part of the year together in Boston, while Jewett often returned to her family home in South Berwick to write. During these separations, she maintained a prolific correspondence with Fields, penning nearly daily letters. One poignant note, signed “SOJ,” expresses her deep affection: “Are you sure you know how much I love you? If you don’t, I can’t tell you, but I think of you and think of you, and I’m always being reminded of you. I am yours, most lovingly.”
Jewett’s childhood home, where she was born and later inherited with her sister, has been preserved as a National Historic Landmark. Now open for tours from June to October, the house also offers digital experiences through Historic New England at jewett.house. Her novel “Deephaven,” published in 1877, is set in her beloved grandfather’s house, showcasing her lasting connection to the region.
A Tribute to Maine’s Literary Icon
The stamp features a depiction of Jewett against the backdrop of Maine’s rugged coastline, framed by coniferous trees. This imagery nods to her best-known work, “The Country of the Pointed Firs,” which tells the story of a city woman spending a summer in the fictional coastal town of Dunnet Landing. Summers aimed to capture the essence of Jewett’s time and her strong ties to the Maine landscape in the design.
The release date and dedication ceremony for the stamp have yet to be announced. This three-ounce stamp marks the 35th entry in the Postal Service’s “Literary Arts” series, further solidifying Jewett’s place among the literary greats recognized by the U.S. Postal Service. As interest in her work continues to grow, the stamp serves as a fitting tribute to a writer whose influence remains significant in American literature.
