BELLAIRE, Ohio — Glass collectors from across the country visited the Imperial Glass Museum on Thursday to learn more about Bellaire’s industrial heritage.
Members of the National Milk Glass Collectors Society toured the museum as part of the organization’s annual convention in Belmont County. Attendees traveled from several states, including Texas, Arizona and California.
The organization studies and preserves milk glass, a type of opaque glass produced in a variety of decorative patterns and colors.
During the museum tour, visitors viewed historic pieces manufactured in Bellaire and learned about the workers and companies that helped establish the village as the “Glass City.”
Museum representatives also discussed the former Imperial Glass Factory, known for producing decorative American-made glass. Displays highlighting factory employees gave visitors a closer look at the people behind the region’s glassmaking industry.
Following the tour, the museum hosted a roundtable discussion featuring former Imperial Glass Factory employees, who shared their experiences and knowledge of the facility’s history.
