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National Imperial Glass Museum

Bellaire, Ohio

Collectors keep the story of Ohio Valley glassmaking alive. 

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Imperial peachblow glass is visually striking. thomasharper (Atlas Obscura User)
Imperial peachblow glass is visually striking. thomasharper (Atlas Obscura User)
Imperial tumblers and pitchers are on display. thomasharper (Atlas Obscura User)
Imperial carnival glass lines the cases. thomasharper (Atlas Obscura User)
Free hand, lead lustre, and jewel lines are all clustered in this case. thomasharper (Atlas Obscura User)
A burgundy punch bowl is of the striking pieces. thomasharper (Atlas Obscura User)
The small museum is a trove of local history. thomasharper (Atlas Obscura User)
Imperial Glass Historical Marker delves into Bellaire's glass-making history. thomasharper (Atlas Obscura User)
Candlewick goblets were once regularly produced here. thomasharper (Atlas Obscura User)
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Known for its early handmade glass tableware, the Imperial Glass Company, a.k.a. “The Big I,” manufactured glassware for 80 years in the town of Bellaire, Ohio. The Imperial Glass Collectors’ Society established this museum in 2003 to keep its legacy alive in the area.

The Imperial Glass Company was founded in the Ohio River town of Bellaire, and the factory started producing handmade glass in 1904. It became a success early on, thanks to its intricate patterns and variety of price points. The company would later be known for its innovative lines of glass such as Candlewick, Free Hand, and Lead Lustre.

In later years, Imperial Glass faced tough competition from cheaper imports and a slowing economy. The company was ultimately dissolved in 1984 after several buyouts and the factory was bulldozed to make way for a shopping wall. Today, the Imperial Glass Collectors’ Society preserves the city’s little-known

Know Before You Go

The museum is open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

glass collections museums and collections
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August 8, 2024
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