Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Select Breastcancer.org at checkout and we'll double our Better to Give donation—at no cost to you. shop & support

Item not in your wishlist
History By Mail Subscription
History By Mail Subscription
History By Mail Subscription
History By Mail Subscription
History By Mail Subscription

History By Mail Subscription

Created by Ari Siegel

A monthly subscription featuring replicas of fascinating historical documents.

$48.00 - $190.00Earn $4.80–$19 in Rewards with Perks

Unique gift Engaging experience Historical context Monthly delivery Thoughtful present Fun learning Quality materials
  • free shipping
  • 14-day free trial
  • 10% back
  • $5 off code x2

Delivery dates vary, select an item for an arrival estimate

Independent Maker

Made in USA

What Makes History By Mail Subscription 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 This monthly subscription delivers detailed replicas of historical documents, like Albert Einstein's correspondence with FDR or Parks’ police report when she refused to give up her seat.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 10/21/2026.

Items that are made to order or oversized can't be sent in a Gift Bag. 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, P.O. Boxes, 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-to-order and customized items are not returnable unless damaged or defective. See our return policy for more details.

What is the subscription made from?

paper

What are the subscription's measurements?

9.5” L x 4.125” W x0.05" H

How do you care for the subscription?

Lay flat, keep dry

What else should you know about the subscription?

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!

Customers also bought

Also by Ari Siegel

similar categories
  • 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.

Our gifting team thinks this subscription is a fantastic way to celebrate the spirit of giving during the holidays! Imagine the joy of unwrapping a piece of history each month, perfect for sparking conversations and sharing memories with family. If you're looking for more thoughtful Christmas gifts, check out our collection of unique Christmas gifts that will delight everyone on your list.

Whether you’re shopping for a history lover or someone who appreciates unique and creative experiences, our selection has something for everyone. Take a moment to browse through our carefully curated gifts for both gifts for men and gifts for women to find that perfect match for your loved ones. Let’s make this holiday season unforgettable!