Uncommon Goods | History By Mail Subscription | history

Set your location

U.S. zip codes only
  1. fun

History By Mail Subscription

Created by Ari Siegel

A monthly subscription featuring replicas of fascinating historical documents.

$42.00 - $175.00

Great gift Unique experience Informative content Monthly surprises Perfect for history buffs Engaging and fun

Delivery dates vary, select an item for an arrival estimate

Independent Maker

Made in USA

What Makes It Uncommon

The invention of the atomic bomb. Rosa Parks and the Montgomery bus boycott. Sure, anyone can read about these moments in a book, but imagine hearing from those who were actually there? This monthly subscription delivers detailed replicas of historical documents, like Albert Einstein's correspondence with FDR or Parks’ police report when she refused to give up her seat. Each document comes with pertinent information to explain any additional context and cultural significance. Whether this is just a keepsake for history buffs or a creative learning tool, get ready to feel closer than ever before to monumental moments throughout history.

  • Each month, a team of archivists scours the world for fascinating documents on a given subject, like foreign diplomacy or women’s rights.
  • Graphic designers replicate them with painstaking attention to detail—handwriting, signatures, and all.
  • The first letter is sent via UPS to ensure swift delivery after purchase. Each of the subsequent letters in the subscription will be mailed via USPS First Class Mail.
  • Only one subscription can be purchased per order. If you'd prefer to deliver the first letter in person, just click "Customize" and you’ll have the option to add a second address for the rest of the subscription to be sent directly to your recipient.
  • Designed and printed in Illinois.
Giving this as a gift? Download and email, or print and give this card to your recipient to let them know their subscription is on the way.

created by

Ari Siegel

Ari Siegel has always loved how history comes alive when you approach it right. He grew up listening to stories from his WWII-veteran grandfathers, went on to work at the US Capitol, where he gave tours to guests, then gained an even deeper appreciation when he started checking out historical documents at the Library of Congress archives. With History by Mail, he hopes to share the excitement of holding something meaningful about our nation’s past in your own hands.

This is a made-to-order item that ships directly from the maker. If you order today your item will ship no later than 7/7/2025.

Items that are made to order or oversized can't be sent in a Gift Box. Instead, you can include your Gift Message on the shipment's packing slip.  At this time, this item cannot be shipped to APO/FPO addresses, or to U.S. Territories including Minor Outlyling Islands. Contact custom@uncommongoods.com with any questions.

This item is not available to ship outside of the U.S. See International FAQ for more info.

Made from

paper

Measurements

9.5” L x 4.125” W x0.05" H

Care

Lay flat, keep dry

Notes

Your first document will be mailed a week after placing an order to the purchaser (for gifting). The subsequent documents will be mailed on the 15th of each month. Subsequent documents can be mailed directly to the end recipient by entering their address into the customize boxes prior to checkout.

For subsequent months, you will receive a monthly envelope containing a replica of a historical document. While the first letter in the series has been delivered via UPS to ensure swift delivery after purchase, each of the subsequent letters will be mailed via United States Postal Service First Class Mail.

Please Note: Letters that have already shipped are not subject to return. If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, you can cancel your subscription at any time for a refund on the months you have not yet received.

Item ID

52179

Still haven't found the details you're looking for? Check out our Product Q&A!

Also by Ari Siegel

Try our gift finder

Customers also bought

similar categories
Great gift Unique experience Informative content Monthly surprises Perfect for history buffs Engaging and fun

People love this product for its unique and engaging way of delivering historical content through monthly surprises that are perfect for history buffs.

AI generated summary

  • 5 stars out of 5

    I first bought this for my husband. He loved it! It gives you historic…

    • Pickers
    • Ft Myers, Fl

    read full review

  • 5 stars out of 5

    Birthday gift for my husband. He is a history buff, and loves the auth…

    • Ari
    • SD

    read full review

  • 5 stars out of 5

    gave this as a Christmas gift last year for my dad and he loved it so …

    • Emily
    • Undisclosed

    read full review

4.79
4.79 stars out of 5
based on 187 reviews
96%
of respondents would
recommend this to a friend
5 stars
167 users rating this 5 stars
4 stars
12 users rating this 4 stars
3 stars
1 users rating this 3 stars
2 stars
2 users rating this 2 stars
1 star
5 users rating this 1 star
  • 5 stars out of 5
  • Pickers
  • verified reviewer
  • Ft Myers, Fl

Loved it so much I bought it again

I first bought this for my husband. He loved it! It gives you historical stories that we have never heard before. Even my daughter is excited when we receive it. She goes to her dad so they can read it together and learn something new. We loved it so much I bought it for my dad too.

  • 1 star out of 5
  • Unimpressed recipient
  • GA

Waste of money - not an impressive gift at all

Received as a gift for Christmas. First issue, this cannot be forwarded to a gift recipient but is sent to the purchaser (mother in law in this case) and is a pain for her to keep up with and forward. Secondly, it contains printed replica letters inside a general envelope without any other contents and is nothing extraordinary here. The contents themselves lack anything interesting after 4 months now of letters. (All contents easily found online, and appear to have "declassified" stamped on them but do not have any interesting information or facts to offer. ) I would skip this gift idea and gift a subscription to the library instead.

Response from merchant

Thank you for your feedback! We're sorry your disappointed with your gifted History By Mail. We do offer address changes as most gift givers prefer the first letter delivered to themselves to not spoil the surprise. We'd be happy to change that for you! We've emailed you for the new address!

  • 5 stars out of 5
  • Ari
  • verified reviewer
  • SD

Excellent gift for my Husband

Birthday gift for my husband. He is a history buff, and loves the authentic feel of these letters. So far he has enjoyed the two he has received and is eager for the next letters to come. Overall very good gift, I am glad to have found this!

  • 5 stars out of 5
  • Emily
  • verified reviewer
  • Undisclosed

Perfect for history buff!

gave this as a Christmas gift last year for my dad and he loved it so much we renewed the subscription this year! He's a big history buff, so I was worried that the content would be too surface-level for him, but we learn something new every month. perfectly curated collection for all ages and all knowledge levels. can't say enough good things!

  • 5 stars out of 5
  • dlgghs77
  • verified reviewer
  • Oxford, AL

Wonderful Gift for Grandparent

Our father received the first issue of this subscription before Christmas and is eagerly awaiting the next issue. The artwork was interesting, and story was thoroughly enjoyed.

  • 5 stars out of 5
  • Scott
  • verified reviewer
  • Georgia

Cool idea. Great hit!

The gift was cool. Able to deliver here for Christmas gift and the rest delivered to another address. I only wish we could've had folio delivered this way. It just wasn't an option.

  • 5 stars out of 5
  • K
  • verified reviewer
  • VA

The gift that keeps on giving

What a great gift! Recipient loves it! #sweepstakes

  • 5 stars out of 5
  • K
  • verified reviewer
  • VA

The gift that keeps on giving

So unique! Loved it - and would gift this again!

  • 5 stars out of 5
  • WW
  • verified reviewer
  • Swarthmore, PA

Excellent Service

Love both items purchased, thank you!

  • 5 stars out of 5
  • TG
  • verified reviewer
  • Santa Clara, CA

Wonderful Gift

I bought History by Mail for my husband for Christmas as he loves American history. He thoroughly enjoyed getting his first document about Annie Oakley. Reading Oakley's original words and seeing her handwriting was fascinating. He is looking forward to the next historical document.

  • undisclosed

Which items are contained in the different collections?

Verified reply from Allison

The letters in the 1st and 2nd 6th month subscriptions are the same as in the full 12 month subscription. You can also choose to add a 'folio' to keep your letters in for protection. Subjects includes historic inventions, American wars, and foreign diplomacy.

  • MA

What's the folio?

Verified reply from Maxienne

The folio is a special vegan leather folder designed to keep your History by Mail replicas organized and protected.

  • OH

Hello Last year for Christmas, I got my husband collects 1 and 2. For this year I need to get 3 and 4 for different content, correct? Also

Verified reply from Maxienne

Yes, that’s correct—Volumes 3 and 4 have different content.

  • St. Louis, Mo

Can the first letter be sent to me and the rest of the letters sent to another person?

Verified reply from Justin

Yes! Your first document will be mailed a week after placing an order. The subsequent letters will be mailed USPS on the 15th of each month. Please reach out to us within two weeks of placing your order to change the address for the remaining letters at help@uncommongoods.com or by calling +1 (718) 210-1200.

  • IL

Does the shipping cost get charged with each monthly delivery or is it a one time shipping charge upon purchase?

Verified reply from Michelle

Hi! The shipping on this subscription is a one-time charge at check out.

  • undisclosed

After the first mailing, can the mailing address for the recipient be changed? Our son is in the military, will be home for Christmas for about 2 weeks, then on to his next assignment. (In the United States). Second question - do you deliver to P.O. boxes?

Verified reply from Leslie

Yes to both questions! When you need to update the address, just reach out to help@uncommongoods.com and we'll take of it.

  • Honoka'a HI

Is this one sheet of paper every month? Or is there material included with background?

Verified reply from Leslie

Hello! Each document is accompanied by context pages telling relevant details surrounding the historic event.

  • undisclosed

When sending as a gift, does the initial document come with an overview/description of the subscription for the recipient?

Verified reply from Amy

Hi Caitlin! Yes, it comes with a welcome letter introducing them to the series.

  • TX

If I get 2 gift subscriptions, each one for a different person, will they each get the same letters or different ones?

Verified reply from Leslie

Hello! All the subscriptions are the same, they'll receive the same letter in the same sequence.

  • undisclosed

Would this appropriate for pre-teens? My nephew is a history buff but wonder if this will be too far over his head or any vulgarity used in it? (Thinking police reports, etc.)

Verified reply from Leslie

Hello! Per the artist, nothing is vulgar or inappropriate for even children. While the content is geared towards adults, a precocious pre-teen would gain a lot of knowledge from the replicas.

This gift is great for ...

  • History Buffs Who Love Learning

  • Couples Who Enjoy Unique Experiences

  • Friends Who Appreciate Thoughtful Gifts

  • Adults Who Collect Memorabilia

Our gifting team recommends this History By Mail Subscription as a thoughtful choice for both men and women who love a touch of nostalgia with their gift. Uncommon Goods offers a diverse range of products tailored to a wide array of interests, so you're sure to find something that resonates with your loved ones. Dive into our curated selection of amazing gifts that cater to unique hobbies and passions.

If you're inspired by the idea of giving a gift that connects across time and memories, we've got more to show. Explore our full range of gifts for women and gifts for men to find that perfect something for everyone on your list. From history buffs to those who cherish personalized experiences, we’ve got the goods to make every occasion special.

US

Ship To US