Many people who discover History By Mail also come across other history-focused mail services and want to understand how each one approaches historical material. History By Mail was created to give readers direct access to primary sources through faithful replicas and clear context. Our process centers on authenticity, accuracy, and thoughtful curation drawn from trusted archives.

The comparison below outlines how our approach differs from Letterjoy’s and explains what makes History By Mail a distinct educational experience.

History By Mail provides replicas created directly from primary source documents housed in leading archives. Each item preserves original handwriting, formatting, and layout to maintain historical accuracy.

Historic Mail sends reproductions of letters written by notable figures. Their materials include both the reproduction and a typed transcript to assist readability. Their focus is on a curated weekly experience rather than a monthly in-depth study.

History By Mail centers its process on primary source learning. Each mailing contains a replica and a context page that explains the document’s background, the individuals involved, and the events surrounding it. This aligns with an educational approach grounded in direct artifact study.

Historic Mail provides short explainer sheets designed for quick reading. These offer brief summaries of the political or cultural setting. Their materials present a shorter overview rather than an extended educational context.

History By Mail delivers one document replica and one context page each month. Themes rotate every four months and explore historical events through multiple primary sources selected for their significance.

Historic Mail delivers one letter every week. Their schedules include 5 week, 10 week, 25 week, and 52 week packages. Their structure focuses on frequent touchpoints and short term experiences.

History By Mail prints document replicas on high-quality paper selected to reflect the characteristics of the original source material. The goal is to preserve the look and feel of the historical artifact. Many subscribers keep their replicas in archival folios or frame them for display.

Historic Mail sends each reproduction in a cream colored vintage style envelope with decorative elements. Their mailings include a separate transcript for readability, along with a brief contextual summary.

History By Mail covers a wide range of American history through rotating four-month themes. Collections also include U.S. Holidays, National Parks, Historic Cartoons, World War II Cartoons and Posters, and other non-recurring series.

Historic Mail focuses on American history from approximately 1776 to 1976. Their selection highlights well-known historical figures and major moments across this two-century period.

History By Mail was founded to make primary sources more accessible and to support learning through authentic historical documents. The mission is centered on accuracy, critical thinking, and engagement with original materials.

Historic Mail presents weekly reproductions designed to bring historical stories to life through short letters and brief summaries. Their approach focuses on frequent contact and narrative style framing.