Episode

The Spy Who Delivered: Elizabeth Van Lew’s Secret Postal Legacy

Podcast: Mailin’ It! - The Official USPS Podcast
Published: Mar 31, 2026
Duration seconds: 1369
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Canonical source: https://about.usps.com/newsroom/
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Summary

This episode of Mailin' It! celebrates Women's History Month by exploring the extraordinary life of Elizabeth Van Lew, a prominent Richmond socialite who risked everything to operate a successful Union spy ring from the heart of the Confederacy. Joined by historian and former postmaster Sara Martin, hosts Karla Kirby and Jeff Marino uncover the story of how Van Lew's espionage and unwavering loyalty led to her groundbreaking appointment as the postmaster of Richmond, Virginia, after the Civil War.