Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I join/give?

History is more interesting when it’s a surprise in your mailbox.

Letterjoy is a spontaneous weekly dose of history, and an enjoyable offline escape from the age of iPhones.

We love the experience of tearing into envelopes to pull out a surprising letter on classic cotton paper, and we know you will too.

Can I give Letterjoy to myself?

Of course. See our personal membership options here.

Are these "real" letters?

Yes. The historical letters we share are reproductions of real letters (or telegrams) written by legendary figures and eloquent eyewitnesses. They are sourced from some of the finest archives, special collections, and private sources on the planet.

For more information on sourcing, and the philosophical debate over what constitutes authenticity (and our stance on it), reach out to Support[at]letterjoy[dot]co.

What topics do you cover?

Our primary focus is on American history from 1600-1960, but we cover a broad array of subjects within that time frame. Here are some past monthly themes:

Presidents & the press: A look at the relationship between US presidents and the media from Thomas Jefferson to today.

The Birth of Aviation: Four powerful letters from the 30-year period where powered flight went from a dream to an affordable mode of transportation.

The Right to Vote: From the American Revolution to the 26th Amendment.

Judicial Challenges: Examine some of history’s most intense inter-branch battles, from the era of George Washington to the era of Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Civil War Spies: First-hand accounts of the dangerous life of espionage during the American Civil War.

American Expansion: The manifestation of “Manifest Destiny”. The real stories behind the Louisiana Purchase, the Republic of Texas, Hawaiian Annexation, and the Pig War.

What else comes with my letters?

Every letter is accompanied by a carefully researched “postscript” section which explains the context in which the letter was written, who the author and recipient were, and how the contents of the letter relate to other events throughout history.

Can I see a sample letter?

Of course you can! Our samples page has high-resolution PDF scans of a few of the letters we’ve recently mailed, as well as more context on the monthly themes they were mailed for.

Do you mail internationally?

Yes. We mail around the world. Charges for additional postage may apply.

Do you have a gift welcome letter available?

We do. You can download our customizable explanation letter here.

Is your mailing affected by COVID-19?

As of now, we are mailing as normal. Air travel and postal disruptions may cause minor delays in the arrival of our letters to certain destinations. You can read more about how we are adapting to COVID-19 here.

When will my first letter arrive?

Letters are sent via first-class mail once every week. Newly activated orders usually go out in the first mailing of the month selected at checkout. Activation takes 10 days from date of purchase.

Which membership option is the best deal?

Our yearly plan offers the most value of any plan we offer. 1 year of letters for just $13.33 a month. Our 3-month and 6-month plans are also great values.

Who should I give Letterjoy to?

Anyone! We have seriously seen it all. Letterjoy is a very popular present for teachers, veterans, grandparents, and college students, but those are just a few of the professions/relationships we've seen.

We have gift members on six continents, including spouses, bosses, parents, grandparents, children, great grandparents, and more.

We have also seen Letterjoy gifted to people of all professions, from top politicians and captains of industry to local reverends and teachers. If you’d like us to connect you to a Letterjoy customer in your situation, just ask.

How do I change my mailing address?

Recently moved? On an extended vacation? You can change your address right from our self-serve member portal (Members.letterjoy.co). Log in using your name and the email address of the person who purchased your membership.

I have another question...

Send our support team a message or an email.

You can also reach us by letter at 1101 14th St N.W., Suite 910, Washington, DC 20005.