Indiana Bicentennial celebrated with Forever Stamp

A Northern Indiana photographer’s chance decision to capture a sunset over a cornfield is now featured on a Forever Stamp commemorating Indiana’s Bicentennial.

According to the U.S. Postal Service, the state’s fertile soil has long made it ideal for crops like corn, which remains a staple of Indiana’s agricultural economy. It is therefore fitting that the Indiana Statehood stamp features a contemplative photograph of the expansive cornfields near Milford, Indiana.

The photographer, Michael Matti, grew up in Milford and had driven past that view hundreds of times until one day he decided to pull over, stand on top of his car, and take in the beautiful sunset.

Governor Mike Pence and First Lady Karen Pence, Indiana’s Bicentennial Ambassador, joined the U.S. Postal Service to celebrate the issuance of the Indiana Statehood Forever Stamp at a first-day-of-issue stamp dedication ceremony at the Indiana Statehouse.

“In our state’s bicentennial year, it is altogether fitting that we memorialize the occasion with the issuance of the Indiana Statehood Forever Stamp, which so vividly captures the beauty of rural Indiana,” said Governor Pence. “Its image will tell of Indiana’s unique beauty as it’s sent to untold locations around the country and around the world. As the sun sets on Indiana’s first 200 years of history, we look forward to a new dawn that builds on the vision cast over our last two centuries.”

Art director Derry Noyes designed stamp.

The Indiana Statehood stamp is being issued as a Forever stamp. This Forever stamp will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail one-ounce price.