"Stamp collecting dispels boredom, enlarges our vision, broadens our knowledge, makes us better citizens and, in innumerable ways, enriches our lives."

So said President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, whose passion for stamp collecting will be shown in a new exhibition at the Smithsonian's National Postal Museum in New York.

Aside from revealing the President's lifelong hobby, the exhibition will also provide rare insight into the behind-the-scenes workings of his administration.

During his administration, Roosevelt played a critical role in the creation, design and promotion of some 200 stamps released during his time in office (1933-1945).

The President's passion for stamps began in childhood, and later became a 'stress buster' - with him dedicating half-an-hour to stamps every night during his time in the White House.

Roosevelt's philatelic hobby was incorporated into much of his presidency. He released designs to help sell his policies, reinforce his role against critics and reach out to voters.

On a number of occasions, the President even took the pencil from the stamp artist and designed them himself, such was his knowledge.

These original sketches will be shown at the National Postal Museum. They include Roosevelt's design for the 1938 six-cent airmail stamp his original sketch for the 'Mothers of America' stamp.

The exhibition, showcasing the important of stamps in American culture and politics during World War II, can be found in the Museum's Rarities Vault.