WASHINGTON - Once known as the "President's House" and the "Executive Mansion," the White House will be honored in its bicentennial year as the official residence of the President when a new U.S. postage stamp is issued Oct. 18 by the U.S. Postal Service.

"The White House stamp brings together two great, enduring symbols of the U.S. government and the American people: the magnificent building at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and the U.S. Postal Service," said Jerry D. Lane, District Manager, Capital District, who will dedicate the stamp.

"On its 200th birthday, the White House is the most important and renowned building in the world, symbol of liberty and hope for all people," said Hugh Sidey, President, White House Historical Association. "When President John Adams moved into the new but yet unfinished building on November 1, 1800, few Americans realized he had planted an institution that would in the next two centuries become the most powerful and successful democracy in history."

The official first day of issue ceremony for the White House stamp will be held at 11 a.m. in the White House Visitors Center at 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. The ceremony is free and open to the public. The stamp will be available at Washington, D.C., post offices beginning Oct. 18 and at post offices across the country starting the following day.

With the issuance of this stamp, the Postal Service commemorates the 200th anniversary of the White House as the official residence of the American President.

John Adams, the second President of the United States, moved into the unfinished "President's House" in November 1800. Since then, the White House has seen many changes and improvements. Running water and an indoor bathroom were installed in 1833; electric lights in 1891. During the Presidency of Theodore Roosevelt the West Wing offices were built.

The White House has also undergone two comprehensive renovations: first, after the British forces burned it in 1814 during the War of 1812, and again in 1948 during the Truman Administration, when an examination of the building found it to be structurally unsafe. It was subsequently gutted, reinforced with steel and concrete, and rebuilt within the original walls.

Today the White House is an American symbol recognized around the world. The stately mansion at the heart of the nation's capital welcomes approximately 6,000 visitors each day, witnesses to the historical significance and architectural beauty of a national treasure.

The 33-cent White House stamp features a photograph taken by Patricia Fisher of Washington, D.C. Derry Noyes, also from the District of Columbia, served as the designer. 125 million stamps in self-adhesive panes of 20 were printed.

To coincide with the issuance of the White House stamp, a special joint product of the Postal Service and the U.S. Treasury, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, will be available starting Nov. 1, 2000.

The "White House 200th Anniversary Commemorative Stamp and Note Portfolio" incorporates a full pane of the White House stamps, together with a $20 currency note that bears an engraving of the White House. The note features a special serial number range not available in general circulation.

This limited-edition product is packaged in a premium portfolio that will protect the stamp sheet and currency note in archive quality material. As the product highlights the 41 presidents who have occupied the White House during the past 200 years, it also contains the engraved portraits of John Adams and William J. Clinton, who represent the first and last presidents to reside in the White House during this period.