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Tops in Its Glass
Museum traces more than a century of glass-making history
These delicate horses were made by the Imperial Glass Co. between 1979 and 1988 for the Heisey Collectors’ Association.Lancaster is known as the “Pressed Glass Capital of Ohio” – and the city has a new museum to prove it.
“Lancaster has been a glass-making mecca over the years,” says Bob Sherman, director/curator of the Ohio Glass Museum.
Sherman says at least 50 glass factories have been in operation in the county since Highland Manufacturing Co. opened the first plant in 1890. Lancaster is still the home of one of the nation’s most recognizable brands: Anchor Hocking.
Thousands of people have visited the Ohio Glass Museum since it opened in May 2006. Housed in two pre-1900 buildings, the 20,000-square-foot facility was refurbished using local talent.
Volunteers are also critical to the museum’s operation, working in the gift shop, answering phones and serving as docents.
The museum exhibits glass made by individual artists as well as companies such as Heisey, Fenton and Anchor-Hocking. Plans are to open two additional display rooms by May 2007.
Within two years, the museum hopes to add a glass-blowing studio and an instructor to teach the craft.
The concept of the museum developed in 2000. Since then, companies and collectors loaned or donated thousands of pieces, some of which can be seen in the galleries. On display are mostly pressed pieces, in addition to some cut crystal, blown glass and free form. They have glass from all over the country, although the focus is primarily Ohio glass. Raw materials, including old tools, molds, glass-making machinery and accessories can be seen.
The facility is also rented for special events, such as parties, dinners and meetings.
The Ohio Glass Museum is at 124 West Main Street. Its Web site is ohioglassmuseum.org.
Story by Catherine Darnell
Photo by Brian McCord
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